Living a life aligned with your core values is essential for personal fulfilment and authentic leadership. When you clearly understand what matters most to you, decision-making becomes easier, and you can navigate challenges with greater clarity and resilience.
However, identifying your core values can be a daunting task. With so many important principles to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about which values truly resonate with you.
In this article, we'll guide you through a simple yet powerful process to identify and define your core values. By following the steps outlined by Brené Brown in her book "Dare to Lead," you'll gain a deeper understanding of what drives you and how to align your actions with your values.
We'll start by exploring a comprehensive list of values and helping you narrow them down to the ones that resonate most deeply with you. Then, we'll dive into defining those values through a series of reflective questions that will help you understand how your values manifest in your life.
By the end of this process, you'll have a clear understanding of your two core values and how to live them out authentically. This knowledge will empower you to make decisions that align with your values, communicate more effectively, and lead with greater integrity.
So, let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and uncover the values that will guide you towards a more fulfilling life and leadership experience.
Part 1: Identifying your values
Please have a look at the list of values enclosed from Brene Brown "Dare to Lead"
2 steps:
1 - Identify the 10-15 values that you resonate with in this list
2 - Go through the list again and identify only 2 values.
Why only 2 values? To make a conscious effort of what is really important to you. You may realise that in your shortlist of 10-15, a few of them cross over and actually represent one value.
Part 2: Defining your values
Well done for having identified your values and narrowed it done to 2 values.
Now that you have them, for each value, ask yourself the following questions:
1. What are 3 behaviours that support this value?
2. What are 3 slippery behaviours outside of this value?
3. What is an example of a time when you were fully living that value?
Reflect on how you are engaging with these behaviours today and how you might want to set yourself up for fully living into your value.
Well done on completing this values identification exercise! By taking the time to reflect on what matters most to you, you've taken a significant step towards living a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Now that you have clarity on your core values, it's time to put them into action. Use your values as a compass to guide your decisions, both big and small. When faced with a choice, ask yourself which option aligns most closely with your values. This will help you make decisions that feel true to who you are and what you stand for.
Remember, living your values is an ongoing practice. It's not about perfection, but rather about consistently striving to align your actions with your principles. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the progress you make along the way.
As you continue on this journey of self-discovery and values-based living, know that you don't have to navigate it alone. Working with a coach can provide you with the support, guidance, and accountability you need to fully integrate your values into your life and leadership.
If you're ready to take the next step and explore how your values can shape your personal and professional growth, I invite you to book a session with me. Together, we can delve deeper into your values, identify any obstacles that may be holding you back, and create a plan of action to help you live your values with greater courage and consistency.
Through our work together, you'll gain the tools and insights you need to lead with authenticity, communicate more effectively, and make decisions that align with your deepest priorities. You'll develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and the confidence to navigate challenges with grace and integrity.
Don't let this moment of clarity slip away. Take action now and book a session with me to start your journey towards a more values-driven life and leadership experience. I'm here to support you every step of the way.
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