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Why include Core Values as a reference in your planner?
Core Values can….
- Act as a guide for decision-making and understanding the next steps we should take in a given situation. We can ask “Which decision or action aligns with my core values?”
- Increase self-awareness which can inspire us to make changes to better ourselves.
- Empower us to step into our unique power and live as our authentic selves.
- Shift and change over time – you may find that you have a new set of core values every year or they may stay the same over a lifetime.
Simple Steps to Identify Your Core Values
- Google examples of core values for inspiration.
- If you are unsure where to start, googling examples of core values can provide good context and get the brain going on what yours might be.
- Brainstorm a list of core values that are important to you
- Take a scratch piece of paper and just start brainstorming the different phrases and words that come to mind. Try to focus on the words that feel important and supportive to your life situation, goals and dreams.
- Narrow down the list to your top 4 or 5 core values
- The tricky part is taking your big list and narrowing it down to 4 or 5 Core Values. (There are some people who would say you should narrow it down to 1 primary core value.) Pick the number that feels right to you but it is recommended to keep the list lean so it can help with decision-making and aligned action as you move forward.
Tips to Narrow Down Your Core Values List
- Look for values that are similar or support another value.
- For example, the words “independence” and “autonomy” are very similar. If both of these words are on your list, choose the one that feels right or the most supportive to you.
- For example, the word “Love” and the phrase “family connection” are related to each other. “Family connection” can very easily go “under” the umbrella of the word “love”.
- Think of someone you admire – what values do they embody?
- When we admire others this is a clue to the core values that we really care about.
- Reflect back on positive or negative experiences in your life.
- Our negative and positive experiences can show us exactly what we want in life and the things we care about most.
Example of a Core Values
- Core Value: “Autonomy” which includes or encompasses…
- Financial Independence
- Ability to travel
- Feeling safe and stable
- Being able to work from anywhere
- Debt-free
Items used in the creation of this layout:
- XL Moleskine Notebook (squared/grid) 7.5 x 9.5
- Morefone Calligraphy Pens (No bleed)
- Zebra M301 7mm Mechanical Pencil
- Crayola Super Tips Marker Set Washable
- Phone Ring Light Overhead Mount
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