Personal values or core values are individual concepts that support your vision for your future. Understanding your personal values can help you create a life where you thrive.
If you’re feeling lost and need some direction, living by your personal values can aid you in turning things around. Whether you’re building connections or deciding where to live, looking at your core values can guide you.
Recognizing your personal values requires contemplation and self-reflection, but it’s worth it. So, how do you identify and make sense of these principles? Using personal values examples is a good way to spark some ideas.
What are personal values and why do they matter?
Personal values are the abstract ideals you hold near and dear. These values can heavily impact your relationships and career choices. They can also influence how you spend money. Many times, your values guide big life decisions.
Core values also serve as guiding principles essential for personal development. They define the person you want to become and help you stay true to yourself. Personal values even impact how you speak and how well you communicate.
When trying to understand core values, remember there is a difference between beliefs and values. Beliefs are things you believe to be true about the world. Values are the principles you view as important to live by and see as having worth.
A belief can be a core value, but values are not necessarily beliefs. For example, Christianity can be both a belief and a value. However, courage is a value, not a belief. It’s a trait rather than an ideology.
Core values matter because they reflect your priorities. They help you see where you might want to spend more of your time, money, and energy. Your core values can also help you navigate compatibility with others and communicate what’s important to you.
When do personal values matter?
Personal values can matter significantly in interpersonal relationships. A 2023 study by the University of Colorado found that opposites don’t actually attract in human partners. The study suggests that, instead, you are more likely attracted to those similar to you. You probably tend to build connections with people who have shared personal values.
Values in a relationship matter tremendously, both in friendships and romantic situations. The more time you spend with someone, the more important it is to have similar personal values. It’s far easier to tolerate differences with someone you see once a week versus someone you live with.
In addition to being important in your personal life, company core values are also important in your professional life. Opposing ideals can cause coworker or team conflict. A difference in personal values is fine if you make an effort to communicate. Using conflict resolution skills with your friend, partner, or coworker can help you find common ground.
What is a personal values system?
Your personal values system is the cumulation of all your personal values. It shapes how you interact with the world around you. When faced with difficult conversations at work or challenging group projects, these are the values you lean into. Transparency in the workplace and self-discipline are examples of core values that may be components of your personal values system.
How do personal values form?
Personal values are formed by a combination of your upbringing and life experiences. A 2022 study in Personality and Individual Differences found children’s values in early childhood are observable in studies as early as ages 5 to 7. The company you keep and the choices you make shape who you become. Also, there is a significant parent-child similarity in values, meaning children often adopt value systems from their parents. However, family members can still have differing values.
Community and cultures across the world can determine how your values form. A 2019 study by Frontiers in Psychology regarding everyday creativity and personal values observed a connection between values and socio-demographic variables. Examples of cultural values include family, independence, and friendliness. For instance, the Japanese parenting style is more permissive. As a result, toddlers are very autonomous and are trusted to run small errands.
30 personal value examples
It’s OK if your mind goes blank when you first try to write down your personal values. Coming up with ideas may be easier after considering some examples.
You can take inspiration from a list of personal values examples as you brainstorm ideas. These examples can also help you see how core values can define your behavior or influence your decisions.
Dig deep and look for values that resonate with you. Here’s a list of values to give you some ideas:
1. Altruism
Altruism is selflessness for the greater good of society. When you help another human being, you’re committing an act of altruism.
2. Dependability
If you’re dependable, you’re a person that others can rely on. Valuing dependability means you enjoy that trait in others or exhibit it yourself.
3. Integrity
Having integrity in the workplace and at home means you do the right thing, even if no one is watching. Telling the truth comes naturally, and you likely don’t talk behind others’ backs.
4. Generosity
Being generous doesn’t always have to be about money. You can be generous with your time, kindness, or anything else.
5. Courage
Exhibiting courage involves knowing something scares you but doing it anyway. Because we all have different fears and weaknesses, courage looks different in everyone.
6. Gratitude
Gratitude is the act of appreciating what you have. One way to practice gratitude is by writing down what you’re grateful for each day.
7. Well-being
Well-being is being happy and healthy. When you experience long-term distress, your well-being suffers. That’s why it’s important to look after yourself.
8. Education
If you value education or learning, you love the pursuit of knowledge. The beautiful thing about life is that there’s always something new to learn.
9. Creativity
Using your imagination for work is a sign of creativity. Whether you’re writing a novel or making crafts, creativity is an expressive part of human nature.
10. Family
Family values are important to many. Spending quality time with family is a great way to show them you care. Even if you didn’t come from a close family, you may want to imagine taking care of your own one day.
11. Self-respect
Self-respect is caring about yourself and not tolerating disrespect. Sometimes this means setting boundaries, even when doing so is difficult.
12. Adaptability
Adaptability skills involve the ability to adjust to changes or difficult feelings. If you have adaptability skills, you don’t let challenging circumstances stop you. Instead, you go with the flow and recognize you are capable of adjusting.
13. Self-improvement
If you’re constantly looking for ways to better yourself, you value self-improvement. Hard work and goal-setting are likely big parts of your life.
14. Uniqueness
Valuing uniqueness means you cherish your individuality. You don’t mind being different and likely love the idea of going against the grain.
15. Assertiveness
Assertiveness is the act of communicating in a confident, bold manner. If you stand up for yourself, you are being assertive. Assertive versus aggressive communication styles are different. Assertiveness is one of many communication styles.
16. Giving support
Everyone needs support when they’re going through a difficult phase of life. If you value giving support, you’re there to lend a listening ear.
17. Sustainability
Do you recycle and care about the environment? If so, sustainability is likely a value of yours. You care about the state of the world and its inhabitants.
18. Open-mindedness
Open-mindedness means you’re quite open to new perspectives. You probably like meeting new people or learning about other cultures.
19. Personal growth
Personal growth involves trying to be better than you were before. This growth can be related to emotions, health, or anything else.
20. Flexibility
You demonstrate cognitive flexibility by switching from one way of thinking to another. With flexibility, you can handle last-minute projects that come your way.
21. Frugality
Being frugal involves spending money carefully and being thrifty. Frugality isn’t something everyone will understand, and that’s OK. If you value frugality, you likely know how to budget.
22. Independence
Valuing independence means you love being self-sufficient. While it’s no big deal to ask for help or company, you prefer doing things on your own.
23. Self-compassion
Self-compassion is useful when doing inner child work. Rather than criticize yourself, you realize that you’re doing your best.
24. Honesty
While most of us appreciate ethical values such as honesty in others, we don’t always exhibit them ourselves. Being honest requires bravery, and it should be done with empathy and tact.
25. Accountability
Accountability means taking ownership of your current situation. This may involve admitting to and learning from your mistakes. It may also involve taking responsibility for your goals.
26. Authenticity
Being your true self despite judgment is the ultimate sign of embracing your authentic self. When you value authenticity, you don’t pretend to be something you’re not. You’ve reached an admirable level of self-acceptance.
27. Wellness
Caring about your wellness and health goals will benefit you in the long run. Sticking to your exercise routine and a healthy diet promotes longevity.
28. Loyalty
Everyone appreciates loyalty, whether employee loyalty or that of a friend or partner. If you’re loyal, you support others through thick and thin.
29. Community
The importance of community can’t be overstated. Feeling like you belong to a group is beneficial for mental well-being. If you don’t feel a sense of community, you can create one of your own. You can do this by starting a club or friend group.
30. Self-reflection
If self-reflection is part of your core values list, you appreciate introspection. To you, deep thinking and self-awareness are desirable traits. You may respect this in others or appreciate it in yourself.
6 questions to define your personal values
Answering certain questions can help you define values in your own life. Try the following exercises to find out what matters to you. Each of your answers can help inspire you to add to your list of values.
1. What are the most meaningful moments in your life?
Think about the most important moments in your life and what made them meaningful. Perhaps your most meaningful moment was when your purpose in life was clear. Maybe this was your wedding day or the day you graduated med school. Understanding meaningful moments can help you define your core values.
2. What are the moments where you felt least satisfied?
Thinking about moments where you didn’t feel satisfied can help you determine what you don’t value. Such memories can give you ideas of what should be added to your core values list. For instance, do you remember feeling unsatisfied by a surprise party? If so, predictability could be a great addition to your list.
3. Who inspires you?
By thinking about who inspires you, you can recognize the positive personality traits you value in others. Reflect on what you like about those you admire and respect. It’s possible you share common core values.
4. What makes you angry?
Things that oppose your values bring out strong feelings. When defining your true values, think about what angers you. If you recall a moment you were lied to as upsetting, you likely value honesty. This exercise can help you add to your core values list.
5. What is your ideal environment?
Your ideal environment can say a lot about your core values. Imagine a place and point in time where you felt completely at ease. If you’re satisfied in a tranquil environment with sunlight in the morning, you might value peace. If you feel best when out in the forest, time in nature may be one of your core values.
6. What are you most proud of?
Is there a personality trait that you’re especially proud of? Many of your common core values are traits you already exhibit. Perhaps you’re proud when someone compliments your creativity or hard work. Or maybe you take pride in your job or ability to make friends at work. This can help you figure out your values and priorities in life.
How to live by your personal values
Defining your values can ultimately steer you in the right direction. When your behavior aligns with your values, you’re living authentically. An authentic and aligned life can make you feel proud.
Consider which values might conflict
Some items on your core values list may be at odds with each other, which can lead to internal conflict. For example, you might value both creativity and stability. This type of conflict is a common struggle many face when choosing a career path. Ultimately, only you can make the right choices for yourself.
Use your values to set goals
Create a life you’re proud of by using your core values list to set goals. Reminding yourself what you value most can help motivate you to make an action plan to achieve your goals.
Strengthen your values with good habits
You can use certain values as inspiration to practice healthy habits. If you value creativity, make it a mission to complete a project idea every week. Or if you want to be more positive, make it a point to start every morning with positive affirmations. Changing your behaviors to more accurately reflect your values can lead to fulfillment.
Practice inner work
Inner Work® is the collective of internal practices you engage in. Practicing Inner Work is crucial for self-improvement. This might revolve around examining your feelings, behaviors, or any other area of personal development. When you ask yourself what you want in life and do the work to change, your personal values can shine through.
Using personal values examples to influence your future
Hopefully, the personal values examples listed have inspired you to think of your own values. Identifying your values can clarify any changes you need to make. Making these changes can help you realize your true self and be content with life.
Self-discovery and transformation are much easier with an expert to guide you. A coach can help you discover your values or integrate them into your life. Get started with personal coaching sessions today to start making value-driven changes in your life.
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