When an employee begins employment with a company, they will go through an orientation process where they will learn more about the company culture and values. Companies aim to foster a clear vision of who they are and what matters the most to them. They use their values as a foundation for their operations, a guide for future plans, and a standard to which they expect their employees to align with and exemplify. This allows the company to remain true to “who they are” and gives them their competitive edge.
With that in mind, taking the time to identify your core values will help you gain a better picture of yourself and the life you desire to live. Clearly defining your core values will allow you to make quicker decisions and determine which relationships are healthiest for you. Knowing your core values is especially important when seeking new business or employment opportunities. Having the ability to articulate what your core values are and drawing comparisons to those of the prospective employer/company will make you a stronger prospect. This will also help you determine if the company and their culture is a good fit for “you”.
I’ve discovered that some of my clients experience increased dissatisfaction with their personal lives, relationships, careers, and host of negative thoughts and emotions because they are out of alignment. They explain that things are not meeting their expectations and that they feel as if they are not living up to their potential. They are “stuck”. I encourage them to take a step back and to assess where the misalignment lies. They consider questions such as:
Where do you feel stuck or dissatisfied?
What don’t you like about the situation or circumstance?
What would you like to happen?
What are your values?
How can you get in alignment with your values?
What will you do to initiate the realignment?
Now, I encourage you to take the time to answer these questions. Aim to create a list of five to seven core values. If you have more than seven, try grouping your values into related themes and look for a value that would fit the group.
If you need help defining your core values, ask a friend or loved one what they think your core values are. Often their answers will be based on the behaviors you’ve displayed, the decisions you’ve made, and the aspirations you follow. Jot down their responses and research lists of core values. You can use the feedback you received and the lists to help you identify the right values. I would also encourage you to consider what you enjoy the most and what you dislike the most in life. This helps to clarify core values.
For example:
Some people enjoy being able to purchase what they want without significant limitations. A possible core value is financial independence.
Some people do not like it when another person is unsupportive or unfaithful. A possible core value is loyalty.
Some people love eating and preparing healthy foods. A possible core value is health.
Some people do not like to follow trends, patterns, or cultural norms. A possible core value is creativity.
Once you’ve identified your list, revisit it often. Use them as a guide for your future actions, decisions, and relationships. When you need to partner with someone to help you explore how you can live in alignment with your core values, Apprehend is here to help.