How Determining Your Core Values Is Everything

One of the ways to lead a more intentional and fulfilling life is to know and to honor you core values. These values not only define who you are but what matters to you as an individual. Subject to change over time, as we ourselves change, these values ideally establish where you spend your time, energy and resources. Often times, core values are typically defined by a single word or phrase. For example, my core values are: faith, slow living, nurturing, hospitality, femininity, freedom, and sunshine. These values will drastically differ person to person, as they illustrate what we prioritize above all else. When coming up with your list, its advised that you narrow it down to around six values. At the heart of the six, you’ll find that you’ll have a core of three that you prioritize above all else.

We place a lot of emphasis on core values around here, as they play such an vital role in both our interior styling and decluttering services. Today, we walk you through what core values are, how to define yours, and why they are important.

Why Defining Your Core Values Is Important:

• You’ll know where to invest your time, energy and resources. When we aren’t clear on our values we often focus on doing what we “should do” or what is “expected of us to do”, instead of focusing on what actually matters to us.

• Your values will show you where your “blocks” are. When you begin identifying your core values and then reflecting how they are playing out in your day-to-day life, you’ll likely notice some misalignments. This isn’t something to get stuck on but is an opportunity to work through these “blocks” and to allow healing to take place.

• It will make making decisions easier. When you know what your core values are you will be surprised at how much easier it will be to make a decision. When a situation arises, you can take a moment to pause and ask yourself, “does this align with my core values?” For instance, since one of my values is “slow living” it’s important to me that when I’m out grocery shopping, I try my best to buy items that are not wrapped plastic and that will nourish my family. Inevitably there are plastic items that I bring home but there is grace because I tried my best to live out my value.

• You’ll start to feel more like yourself. Talk about freedom!! Instead of living in a tug-of-war between who you are and who you feel like you “should” be, you will have the freedom to be yourself. You will undoubtedly feel more confident and alive!

• You’ll be more clear on your goals. By knowing who you are and what is important to you, you can’t help but have clarity on your goals. When you set goals based on what you value, they are much more likely to happen.

How to Determine Your Core Values:

• Create a sacred space for yourself. Whether that means spending time in nature or lighting some candles at home; give yourself time and space to reflect on your core values. Remember that these values may change over time as we ourselves continue to grow and evolve. We recommended doing this practice once a year.

• Edit, edit, edit. As you continue to write down the values that resonate with you (check out the list below!) you may begin to notice similarities and common themes. Take time considering your list, editing it down until you’ve reached the six core values that resonate the most with you.

• Feature your list in a prominent place in your home. By featuring your list of core values in a prominent place in your home, you give yourself the opportunity to remind yourself what is truly most important to you and your family.

Photography: Luke & Ashley Photography