How to define your values
Values are the things that are important to you in life. They can be anything from good relationships with family and friends to career and personal growth. Discovering your personal values is a challenging but crucial process to live a meaningful life.
In this blog, we brake down a simple process to help you define your values.
- How do you select your values?
- How do you use values to steer decision-making?
- How do you reflect on your values?
23plusone is a scientifically validated set of the 24 fundamental values we have as humans.
Each value is a construct of different things. The meaning of it depends on how you understand the words being used.
Idealism/ Better world
Idealistic - Charitable - Compassionate - HelpfulI - Involved - Committed - Altruistic
Loyal/ Moral
Loyal - Trustworthy - Faithful - Respectful - Responsible - Reliable - Moral
Connected/ Together
Connected - Friendly - Involved - Familiar - Together - Harmonious - Cozy
Warm/ Caring
Considerate - Safe - Warm - Family - Caring - Loving - Maternal
Order/ Structure
Orderly - Structured - Transparent - Organized - Neat - Exactly - Efficient
Safe/Secure
Protected - Sure - Safe - Careful - Prudent - Guarded - Cautious
Relaxed/Carefree
Relaxed - Tranquil - Carefree - Space - Balance - Escape - Chill
Play/ Fun
Pleasure - Amusing - Playful - Light-minded - Pleasant - Fun - Unconstrained
Unbound/Independent
Free - Independent - Self-reliant - Self-directed - Unlimited - Autonomous - Boundless
Creative/ Fantasy
Creative - Fanciful - Enterprising - Shape - Constructing - Imagine - Innovative
Individual/Unique
Individual - Wayward - Original - Special - Unruly - Unique - Distinctive
Discover/Curious
Discovery - Inquisitive - Innovative - Wondering - Profound - Insightful - Investigative
Capable/Talent
Craftsmanship - Skilled - Talented - Diligently - Perfectionistic - Dedicated - Disciplined
Achievement/Innovation
Future - Visionary - Progressive - Progress - Achievement - Innovative - Decisive
Challenge/Winning
Leading - Dynamical - Ambitious - Competitive - Challenging - Determined - Successful
Pride/Self-assured
Pride - Confident - Dignified - Honorable - Self-confidence - Optimistic - Self-respect
Appreciation/Recognition
Celebrated - Accepted - Acknowledged - Appreciated - Respected - Honored - Recognized
Standing/Prestige
Standing - Status - High ranking - Exclusive - Prestigious - Chic - Luxurious
Possess/Collect
Possess - Wealth - Assemble - Profit-driven - Save - Economical - Materialistic
Influence/Leadership
Influential - Dominant - Authoritative - Impressive - Paramount - Mighty - Leading
Fit/Sportive
Sportive - Fit - Vital - Vivid - Energetic - Strong - Active
Health/Nutrition
Healthy - Nutritious - Pure - Basic - Essential - Clear - Hygienic
Beauty/Esthetics
Beautiful - Pretty - Feminine - Aesthetic - Attractive - Refined - Tasteful
Sexy - Aroused
Romantic - Lust - Exciting - Passionate - Sexy - Desire - Erotic
How to identify your values
Think about the times when you felt happiest and most fulfilled.
- What were you doing during those times?
- Who were you with?
- What were the circumstances?
Think about the things that you would never compromise on.
- What are your non-negotiables?
- What are the things that you would never do, even if it meant getting ahead?
Think about your core beliefs.
- What are the things that you believe in, deep down?
Consider your goals and aspirations.
- What do you want to achieve in life?
- Pay attention to your emotions.
- What makes you happy, sad, angry, or frustrated?
Talk to people who know you well.
- Ask them what they think your values are.
How to use your values to make decisions?
Once you have a clear understanding of your personal values, you can begin using them to guide your decision-making process.
- Ask yourself: "What value is most important in this situation?"
- Make the decision that is most aligned with that value.
How to reflect on your values?
One way to track your values is to reflect on your values every year at the same time period. These reflections can help you shape your value set as life happens.
Here are some questions to consider when reflecting on your values:
- How have I lived my values this year?
- Where have I fallen short?
- What can I do to improve?
- Living by your values means living a more intentional and fulfilling life.
Use visuals instead of words
Words are a funny thing. They help us express what we feel and think. But more often we find it difficult to choose the right words to communicate what we mean. That’s why we visualised all the values so it’s more fun and easy for you to play with. You can even invite your family, friends, neighbours or date to discover together.