What Core Values Are Important to You? (A Simple Way to Figure It Out)
If you’ve ever asked yourself “what core values are important to you?” — you’re already doing something powerful.
Because most people don’t.
They move through life reacting, making decisions based on pressure, expectations, or urgency… not alignment.
But when you know your core values, everything changes:
Decisions become clearer
Boundaries become easier
Goals feel more aligned
And your business (and life) starts to feel like yours
So how do you actually figure out your core values?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Core Values (Really)?
Core values are the fundamental beliefs that guide how you live, lead, and make decisions.
They’re not just words you like. They’re the standards you:
Refuse to compromise on
Feel deeply connected to
Use (consciously or unconsciously) to evaluate choices
For example:
If you value freedom, you may resist rigid structures or controlling environments
If you value growth, you’ll seek challenges and new opportunities
If you value connection, relationships will take priority over achievement
Why It’s So Hard to Answer This Question
When people ask, “what core values are important to you?” they often get stuck because:
Everything sounds good (integrity, honesty, success…)
They confuse aspirational values with lived values
They’ve never slowed down long enough to reflect
The truth is:
👉 Your real values are already showing up in your life
👉 You just need to uncover them
Step 1: Look at Your Life (Not a List)
Instead of starting with a list of values, start with your experiences.
Ask yourself:
When did I feel most fulfilled or proud?
When did I feel frustrated, drained, or out of alignment?
What situations made me feel like “this is exactly what I want”?
Your values live in your reactions.
For example:
Feeling drained in a micromanaged job → you likely value autonomy
Feeling energized when helping others → you likely value impact or service
Step 2: Identify Patterns
Now look for themes. You might notice things like:
A need for independence → freedom
A desire to build something meaningful → purpose
A focus on relationships → connection
A drive to improve → growth
At this stage, don’t overthink the exact wording. Just capture the pattern.
Step 3: Narrow It Down (This Is Where Most People Struggle)
You don’t have 20 core values.
You likely have 3–5 that truly drive your decisions.
Ask yourself:
If I had to choose between these, what would I not give up?
What do I consistently prioritize, even when it’s hard?
What feels non-negotiable?
This is where clarity starts to form.
Step 4: Define What They Mean To You
This is the step most people skip—and it’s why values don’t actually guide their lives.
Your values need personal definitions.
Example:
“Freedom” might mean → control over your schedule, location, and decisions
“Success” might mean → financial independence, not status
“Connection” might mean → deep relationships, not networking
Without this step, values stay abstract.
Step 5: Use Them (Or They Don’t Matter)
Core values only matter if they influence your decisions.
Use them to:
Make business decisions
Set boundaries
Choose opportunities
Define your version of success
If something feels off in your life or business, it’s often a values misalignment.
Examples of Common Core Values
Here are some examples to help spark ideas:
Freedom
Growth
Connection
Integrity
Creativity
Impact
Security
Adventure
Excellence
Balance
Remember: the goal isn’t to pick what sounds good. It’s to identify what’s already true for you.
Want Help Clarifying Your Core Values?
If you’re feeling stuck trying to figure this out on your own, you’re not alone—this is exactly where most people struggle.
That’s why we created a guided Core Values Workbook to help you:
Identify your real (not aspirational) values
Narrow them down with clarity
Define what they actually mean for your life and business
Start using them immediately
👉 Download the Core Values Workbook
Final Thought
The question “what core values are important to you?” isn’t just a reflection exercise.
It’s a direction-setting one.
Because once you know your values, you stop guessing.
And start choosing.
What Matters Most to You? Discover and Define Your Core Values Today
Every day, whether you realize it or not, your values guide your decisions in life and business. They reflect what you stand for, give your life meaning and purpose, and are uniquely yours.
But how do values help you grow a successful, sustainable business? It’s a beautiful, transformative connection:
Personal Values: Your personal values guide your behavior and decision-making. Living in alignment with them leads to a more fulfilled, purposeful life.
Business Values: Your business values shape your company’s actions and attract the right clients. They guide great decision-making and build a meaningful business.
Alignment: When your personal and business values align, you’ll love the business you’re building because it reflects who you are and what you stand for.
“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” – Roy E. Disney
This Core Values workbook will help you:
Discover your personal and business values
Understand why those values matter to you
Define what it looks like to act in alignment with your core values
Build a purposeful, aligned life and business
Are you ready to uncover the magic of true alignment? Let’s get started!