List Of Values – What Is It? How to Make A List Of Values.

A list of Values is a term referring to personal values, also known as core values, that are used in all areas of your life to describe a set of principles that guide your decisions. Businesses use a list of values to guide an organization’s decisions. The focus of this article is on personal values and identifying what is important to you.

What Are Lists Of Values?

A list of values is a collection of beliefs that guides people’s behaviour. As humans, we are often influenced by others, the media, friends, family and mentors all projecting how we need to behave and what we need to do to live a wonderful, happy, successful life. Ultimately you need to decide what you value and live by your true beliefs to feel fulfilled truly.
Your core values are like a benchmark that helps you and guides you through life. Only you can measure how fulfilled you are based on living true to your core beliefs.
Your personal values will change throughout life as your priorities change.

It is important to identify your core values as they motivate you and help you live your life in alignment with your true self. The more in alignment you are with your values, the more likely you can create and live your envisioned life.

Why Do We Need Them?

Lists of values help you understand why certain behaviours are acceptable and others aren’t. Your core values also provide guidance when making decisions throughout different stages of your life. Living with personal values can assist with dealing with difficult situations.
The beauty is you are unique. Everyone is an individual. Your core values are values that matter to you. They help you live with integrity and help you make choices on what’s important to you.

Example list of personal values.

Below is a list of 140 core values. Scan through the list but before you take words that just jump out at you as your key values, consider why you choose that word and what the value means to you in everyday life.

How Can I Create My Own List Of Values?

Just knowing your core values can change your behaviour and, how you see things, the ways you experience life.
One way to identify your core values is to reflect on your life and ask yourself a few questions. When you answer the questions, think of the times that you felt good and know that the choices you were making were good.

1)   Think of a time when you were at your happiest.

A peak moment in your life.
What were you doing?
Who was with you?
What contributed to your happiness?

2)   Think of a time when you felt most fulfilled.

What were you doing?
Who was with you?
What contributed to you feeling fulfilled?

3)   Think of a time that you were really proud of yourself.

What were you doing?
Who was with you?
What contributed to you feeling so proud of yourself?

4)   What would you do if you won the lottery?

How would you spend your time? Would you still work, or would you volunteer? Would you travel?
What would your ideal day look like if you could do anything?
Who will you spend your time with?
Would you give to family, friends, or charities?

The information you gather from the questions above will help you identify what your current values are and the values you would like to embrace.

How many core values should you have?

There is no set number of values that you should live by. However, it is best to narrow down your list to five to ten values. There are a few ways to narrow down your list.

1. First, identify your values, then rank them in order of importance. Reflect on the value and how it guides you daily.
2. The second way is to identify your values and group them into themes.
   
   For example;
   Personal growth, personal development, learning, and guidance are all values that are related.
   Values like belonging, relationships, self-love, and intimacy are also related.
   
   In the two groups mentioned above, the first value could be growth, and the second value is love or relationships.

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

Albert Schweitzer

Living by your core values

Your values help you turn your dreams into goals, and with action, your goals into reality.

To help you remain focused on your personal growth and living by your personal values, choose one of the values as your word for the year.

Another way to keep your goals in mind is to create a vision board. The pictures you choose may also be grouped into themes related to your values.

You could even write your core values down into an affirmation or value statement with an emotion attached. For example, ‘I take mindful walks near the beach and lake to re-energise my body and soul’.

Many times in life, we say ‘yes’ when we want to say ‘no’. Practice asking yourself questions that help you make the best decision for yourself. Break the people-pleasing habit by linking the question to your core values. Practice self-care by establishing your values and setting boundaries guided by your personal beliefs and values.

As you make choices throughout the day, decide if you are living in alignment with your personal values. If you often sway away from your values, revisit the list of values and redefine what life success means to you.

Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.

Dalai Lama