There Are Many Core Values. Which Ones Are Yours?

Values are those things we believe in and honor so strongly that when they are present in our life we are fulfilled. When they are missing we become bored, unsatisfied, or just plain irritated. First we must identify those values. Doing this exercise will help reveal them to you.

To use this form, print it out and put a check before all the statements which are true about you.

This is true about me:

Group A:

___I love learning new things about myself.
___I own or read many books written for self-help or improvement.
___I attend at least one workshop or seminar every year.
___I willingly adopt new ways of conducting my life.
___I believe difficult situations can be a vehicle for greater learning.

Group B:

___I find problems a stimulating challenge.
___I enjoy being spontaneous.
___I believe rules are guides for group activities, but are not intended to
      stifle individuality.
___I work well without close supervision, and expect others to do so as
       well.
___ I prefer being the leader as opposed to following the leader.

Group C:
___I like to work in an atmosphere of laughter and joy.
___I believe a well-developed sense of humor is a desirable attribute of
       leaders.
___I find stories filled with irony teach me wonderful lessons.
___Within appropriate limits, I find humor to be a healing ingredient in
       difficult situations.
___I laugh at myself on a regular basis.

Group D:
___I find doing something a new way to be exciting.
___I believe in the adage; ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained.’
___I adore roller coasters and other thrill rides at carnivals.
___I like airplanes, helicopters, hot-air balloon and fast cars.
___The statement, “That’s the way we always have done it!” really turns
       me off.

Group E:
___I take full responsibility for my life.
___I believe blaming others when things go wrong is a waste of energy.
___I learn from my failures as well as from my successes.
___I avoid making excuses and am annoyed by others using them.
___I believe in ‘doing’ as opposed to ‘trying’.

Group F:
___The Universe is constantly presenting me with ideas I am enthused
       about.
___I love to discover new and creative ways to do things.
___I look for easier, faster ways to complete projects.
___I’m the first person to have and use new technology.
___I admire artists, actors and inventors.

Group G:
___Walking my talk is an integral part of who I am.
___I believe punctuality is a form of respect for others.
___My friends can count on me to honor a confidence.
___I tell the truth and expect others to do the same.
___When I have an issue with someone, I go directly to them.

Group H:
___A cluttered desk drives me crazy.
___I find it difficult to work where there is disorder.
___My files are neatly organized.
___Everything has its place in my world.
___My home, including closets and cupboards are neat and orderly.

Group I:
___Being with people is one of my favorite pastimes.
___I treasure close relationships with several people.
___I am willing to speak frankly with my closest friends.
___ I find quality time to be with those I love.
___I often like to spend time alone with just one special person.

Group J:
___I have either never used tobacco, or have stopped years ago.
___I find regular exercise important and invigorating.
___I avoid fast foods and unhealthy eating habits.
___I have regular physical check-ups and pay attention to my body’s
       needs.
___I get plenty of rest and am careful not to overextend my work hours.

 

Evaluation:

Look for groups where you have checked four or five statements. These will be your major values. No one values everything in the same intensity. The idea is to discover your five or six most important. The groups above represent only a few of the values most humans hold dear. Here are the characteristics of those we have chosen to put on this page.

Group A is personal growth. If you score high in this value, you are open to personal growth and probably are attracted to others who are also interested in growing.

Group B is the value of freedom and independence. You are an innovator and find it difficult to always be doing things which you feel anyone can do.

Group C is the value of humor, fun and play. You see the value of being happy and joyful regardless of where you are and what you are doing. If it isn’t fun, you wonder, “Why do it?”

Group D is the value of adventure and risk. You love venturing into unknown territory. You are not upset if something doesn’t work out because you are perfectly willing to try something new anyway.

Group E is the value of responsibility. You believe in responsibility and know that we each are fully accountable for our lives. You expect others to honor their promises.

Group F is the value of creativity. You love to express life in new and unique ways. This includes the arts, work, through your hobbies and, above all else, relationships.

Group G is the value of honesty and personal integrity. You hold in high esteem those persons who do what they say they will because you honor that trait in yourself. You must always tell the truth or your conscience will not let you rest.

Group H is the value of order and organization. Neatness and order makes your world heaven, while disorder is hell. Everything is in it’s place in your world. If that’s not the case, you are prone to being confused and unfocused.

Group I is the value of intimacy or connection. People are not only important to you, but developing closeness is vital. Friends and family are significant. You find small talk boring and useless. Having someone displeased with you is heart wrenching.

Group J is the value of health and wholeness. Exercise and nutrition are high on your list.
You recognize your physical body as a temple to be guarded with zeal and fervor.

Now that you’ve discovered some of your core values, it will be easier to live your life accordingly. Let them be the standard by which you measure everything you do, every decision you make. This will bring the deep satisfaction you are seeking.