How To Figure Out Your Values In Life
Figuring out your values is one of the most important things you can ever do. Your value are like your compass in life. They guide you towards what matters most to you.
If you feel stuck in life… figuring out your values will help.
If you’re unhappy with your life… figuring out your values will help.
If you’re feeling lost… figuring out your values will help.
When you know what matters most to you, it becomes so much easier to change the way that you live, both on a daily basis and as you pursue your long-term goals. It helps you to identify what changes need to be made and how to do it. For example, if you value ‘relationships,’ but spend most of your time devoted to your career, you will likely experience unhappiness. Without knowing your values, though, this would be difficult to figure out.
This shift will bring you a sense of greater happiness, fulfillment, and meaning in life.
Below, you will find a list of values. We’ve also created a very special Values Wheel exercise that is designed to help you easily find your own values.
Download The Values Wheel PDF
A scientist named Shalom Schwartz has identified that there are ten universal values in life: Conformity, Tradition, Security, Power, Achievement, Hedonism, Stimulation, Self-Direction, Universalism, and Benevolence. I have grouped specific values underneath each of these.
To identify your values, start by selecting those that matter to you. Then, try to narrow them down, selecting no more than five and ideally two or three.
This new clarity on your values will help you to craft a happier life.
(For more insight into how to live by your values, you might enjoy our book NEW HAPPY: Getting Happiness Right in a World That’s Got It Wrong.)
Conformity
Accountability
Courtesy
Meeting Societal Expectations
Obedience
Politeness
Self-Discipline
Tradition
Community
Faith
History
Humility
Legacy
Loyalty
Respect for Others
Security
Approval
Balance
Belonging
Fairness
Harmony
Health
Stability
Wealth
Power
Authority
Competition
Control
Fame
Recognition
Reputation
Status
Achievement
Accomplishment
Competence
Mastery
Success
Hedonism
Abundance
Amusement
Bliss
Enjoyment
Pleasure
Stimulation
Adaptation
Boldness
Challenge
Confidence
Courage
Creativity
Determination
Exploration
Novelty
Vitality
Zest for life
Self-Direction
Assertiveness
Autonomy
Authenticity
Choice
Freedom
Focus
Honesty
Imagination
Independence
Open-mindedness
Passion
Self-awareness
Self-respect
Universalism
Accessibility
Acceptance
Awe
Consciousness
Diversity
Environmentalism
Heroism
Inclusion
Impact
Interconnectedness
Joy
Justice
Nature
Peace
Selflessness
Transcendence
Thoughtfulness
Wonder
Wisdom
Benevolence
Affection
Altruism
Charity
Compassion
Forgiveness
Giving
Gratitude
Kindness
Teamwork
Thoughtfulness
Once you have identified your values, write them down on a piece of paper or on your phone. It’s very important to keep them visible so that you can adjust your behaviors accordingly.
It can also be helpful to look at any gaps between your values and your current life. If you feel dissatisfied or frustrated with your life, it might be because there is a gap between how you want to be and how you are currently being. Look at how you spend your time: are you able to devote yourself to your values in a meaningful way? What might help you to move closer to embodying these values?
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