We’ve all said it: “I need more time.”
But when you stop to think about it, the real question is: Am I intentionally doing the right things? Every day, you make countless decisions, some big, some small. But how do you know if you’re making the right ones for you? The answer often lies in having clarity of your core values.
When working with leaders, one of the first foundational elements addressed is clarifying their core values. They are a key component of who you are and how you operate; they are non-negotiable, deeply personal, and often the invisible force behind your choices. They help you dial into what feels right for you, especially when circumstances feel uncertain. And when you’re in tune with them, decision-making becomes easier.
The Power of ALignment: A Real-Life Example
An hour before his online webinar, my colleague Steve called with an urgent request to do a test run. Normally, he’d be in Chicago, but today he was in Champaign, Illinois, helping his son move into his dorm room at the University of Illinois.
HIS WHY: His son asked in advance for his help, and in Steve’s mind, saying ‘no’ wasn’t an option. He could have easily told his son he had a work commitment, but instead, he found a way to do both. He searched and discovered a Hilton close to campus with a small conference room available. He booked it, ensuring he could be there for his son while also taking time out to deliver his webinar.
What struck me most was how effortlessly he made the decision. He didn’t debate or seek permission; he simply acted on what was true for him. It was a powerful reminder that priorities aren’t just what we say matters; they’re what we consistently choose.
I’ve seen Steve consistently make decisions like this many times. He doesn’t just talk about valuing family, he lives it.
CLARITY OF CORE VALUES: CHANGES YOUR ACTIONS
Staying true to your core values isn’t always easy. The pressures of your environment and others’ expectations can pull you off course. That’s why knowing your values is crucial; it guides your decisions with clarity and confidence.
A client, Sophie, shared her struggle balancing a senior leadership role and being present for her young daughters. Mornings were filled with guilt as she left them crying with the nanny while she rushed to work. She hadn’t yet consciously identified her core values, leaving her conflicted and overwhelmed.
Once she clarified that family was a core value, she began to view what was happening around her differently. Sophie realized she had been measuring herself against colleagues without children and prioritizing external expectations over her own. This awareness led to small but powerful changes, taking an extra fifteen minutes with her daughters in the morning and delegating early meeting kickoffs to a team lead. These adjustments allowed her to be both the leader and the mother she wanted to be.
When you’re clear on your core values, self-doubt fades, and decision-making becomes easier. Aligning your actions with your core values allows you to define success on your own terms.
THE POWER OF KNOWING YOUR CORE VALUES
Knowing your core values brings clarity. They quiet self-doubt, reduce anxiety, and help you stay true to yourself, even when life throws you curveballs. Your values are foundational to your personal brand; they guide you in every decision, big or small.
So, how do you get there? Here are a few questions to ask yourself that will help you align with your core values:
- What changes do I need to make? Being aware of your core values is step one. Defining the behaviours/actions you need to engage in to be aligned with your core values is next. The real magic happens when your actions reflect your values every day.
- What is most important to me in my life? Is it family? Health? Integrity? Being trustworthy? Take a moment to choose your top three values, the non-negotiable ones. They act as your internal compass and bring clarity to what you are willing to defend, no matter what.
- Am I living my core values? Reflect on your actions. Do your choices demonstrate what matters most to you? How do you treat others? Are your answers aligned with your core values? If not, it’s time to observe where you are off track and recalibrate.
YOUR CORE VALUES: The key to living on Purpose
When you know what’s most important to you, you’re in charge. You’re no longer swayed by external expectations or experiencing an internal tug-of-war. You’re living on purpose.
Take the time to identify your core values today. They’ll guide your decisions, give you peace of mind, and support you in living authentically.
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