If we were asked, almost all of us could name things that we like. But could we name the values that we live by?

Core values are the principles that underpin our lives – the choices we make, the things that we tolerate and what we give our energy to.

Knowing your core values is not about deciding what you want to be influenced by, but about recognising what already guides us through life, consistently, intuitively, without fail.

Actions speak louder than words. Your values show up in how you behave more than they do in the things that you say.

When you feel aligned and ‘on the right path’, chances are you are living in congruence with your core values. If you are feeling ‘off’ or ‘out of sorts’, it’s probably because your core values are being neglected.

It’s easy to inherit core values. To live by the values of others, rather than your own. Chasing the university degree because education is important to your parents. Working hard to buy a house because all of your friends have done it – ‘property is a great investment!’. Going to the pub on a Saturday night because it’s ‘fun’, and we all want to have fun, don’t we?

Living by values that are not your own can cause unhappiness, tension, even resentment when you realise that you have put their beliefs and choices before your own.

When you are clear on your own values, and create a life where you can prioritise them, decision making becomes easier, and self-respect becomes non-negotiable. Your core values act as an anchor. When you get confused by the noise of life, your values bring you back to what really matters to you.

So, how do you identify your core values? Ask yourself what makes you feel most like yourself. What are you not prepared to live without? What lights you up, time and time again? What would you fight for? What brings you back to who you really are?

You’ll know the answers if you allow yourself to be honest. Core values are not something you need to create or come up with. They are already there. You just need to uncover what they are. They are present in your instincts, your actions and in what really matters to you deep down.

When you know what you stand for, you start living with intention, and intention creates our reality.  Why not take some time out today to think about your core values, and whether you are living by them consistently?

PS – If you want some more guidance and to ponder on the big questions in life, why not check out the Philosopher-in-Residence series. Out every fortnight on a Thursday, and written by our Principal Planner, Anna Pascoe.  You can take a peek at the latest edition here: ON SOBRIETY - Make Me A Plan