Una's Blog

by Una Hearne.

What are your core values and why would you need to know them? Definitions of values tend to cover two broad concepts. One is the principles or moral values we stand for, or will stand up for (like freedom, respect, honesty etc). We have a deeply ingrained set of beliefs about right and wrong, value judgements which drive our thinking and behaviour. The other is more about the things we value in our lives (relationships, lifestyle, environment, contribution etc). These can be tangible or intangible and are also drivers of thinking and behaviour.

It really doesn’t matter how you label them or categorise them, the bottom line is your core values are those things which are of core importance in your life. In my experience this list, when distilled, turns out to be between five and ten core values which are fundamental to you as a person. I bring most of my clients and all course participants on Designing Your Future through an exercise to identify core values. Each person’s final list is as unique as they are.

So, why would you want to be clear about and conscious of your core values? Here are a few reasons I place so much importance on them in my work:

• Knowing what is important to you allows you to make the best choices for yourself in any situation. When you are clear on what matters to you, you can make choices that bring more happiness and fulfilment into your life.
• When you are making choices that affect other people, you can communicate your choices and boundaries effectively and positively because you are clear on your reasons why.
• Knowing what really matters allows you to prioritise what you spend your time and energy on. You can stop wasting time and energy on things, activities and people that do not ultimately serve your highest intentions and desires.
• It can be enormously helpful in relationships to realise that everyone has different – and equally valid – core values. It can help you to understand conflict in a new and more constructive way.
• Speaking your truth about your core values can bring deeper connections, more profound understanding and more joyful relationships.

A consciousness of your core values affects every area of your life. It gives you confidence in your decisions and choices and helps you connect more meaningfully with other people.