Unlock Your True Self: How to Discover Your Core Values for a Life of Purpose

November feels like the month to slow down, reflect, and start thinking about the goals we’d like to accomplish in the year ahead. One powerful way to ground yourself for the new year is to take some time to discover your personal core values.

Core values are the beliefs that guide us, shaping how we make decisions, interact with others, and move through life. My core values include honesty, love, intuition, courage, and family. They’re at the heart of who I am, and while I might not actively think of them every time I make a decision, they’re always there, gently guiding me.

I invite you to consider what your own values might be—especially as we head into a season of setting intentions and planning for the future.

Why Core Values Matter

Our values are the blueprint for living authentically and help us build a life filled with purpose and intention. When you know your values, decision-making becomes less stressful because you’re naturally aligning with what matters most to you.

Whether you’re setting goals, growing in your relationships, or facing challenges, your core values keep you grounded.

Tools to Help You Discover Your Core Values

If you’re unsure of what your core values are, try incorporating tools like gratitude journaling and oracle cards to reveal what lies beneath the surface.

1. Start a Gratitude Journal
   Reflecting on gratitude each day is a powerful way to get in touch with what genuinely matters to you. By identifying what you’re thankful for, you’ll start noticing patterns in your values, like kindness, growth, or stability. For tips on how to start, even if journaling feels intimidating, check out my blog post, How to Start a Gratitude Journal (Even if You Hate Journaling).

2. Use Oracle Cards to Tap into Your Intuition
   Oracle cards are a fun and insightful tool for tapping into your intuition and finding clarity around your core values. You can use them to ask questions about what’s truly important to you or to help you uncover areas you want to explore more deeply. If you’re curious about using oracle cards, visit my blog post, 5 Ways Oracle Cards Will Add Magic to Your Life, to get started.

How to Discover Your Core Values

In addition to journaling and using oracle cards, here are a few other ways to explore and connect with your values:

Reflect on Meaningful Moments

Think back to times when you felt proud, happy, or fulfilled. What was it about those moments that made them meaningful? Often, these moments are aligned with our values. For example, if you felt fulfilled helping a friend through a difficult time, compassion might be one of your core values.

• Notice Your Gut Reactions
  We often feel strongly when our values are either honored or challenged. Think of moments when you felt uncomfortable or had a strong emotional response. These reactions can reveal what you care about most deeply.

• Make a List, Then Narrow It Down
  Start by writing down words that resonate with you, like trust, growth, creativity, community, or peace. You might end up with a long list, but try to narrow it down to five or six values that truly feel like “home” for you.

• Ask Yourself “Why?”
  For each value you’ve identified, ask yourself why it’s important. This helps deepen your understanding of what makes each one significant, allowing you to connect with them on a personal level.

• Check for Alignment
  Once you’ve defined your values, think about how they show up in your life. Are there areas where you might want to live more in line with them? This could mean setting new goals that align with your values or making small changes to live more authentically.

Living Out Your Core Values

Once you’ve identified your core values, let them guide you as you move forward. I like to check in with my values regularly, especially as I set new goals or make important decisions. Living by our values is a journey, and there’s no “perfect” way to do it—what matters most is making small, conscious choices that honor who we are.

Ready to discover your own core values?

Start with a gratitude journal and use oracle cards to explore your intuition. Embrace this journey, knowing that with every step, you’re building a life that reflects the truest version of you.

I’d love to hear how the process goes for you—feel free to reach out and share your journey!

Here are 4 of my Core Values to give you a bit of inspiration to get started:

• Honesty- I am honest with myself and others at all times. I will not accept dishonesty or mistrust in any of my relationships.

• Love- I give love and accept love for myself and others.

• Family- my husband and children are what matter most above all else.

• Courage- I constantly push myself to be a better person and surround myself with those who do the same.

XOXO,

Courtney