{"id":8827,"date":"2026-06-20T17:04:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T17:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewendymethod.com\/what-are-my-values-5-tips-to-help-you-find-what-matters-most\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T16:54:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T13:54:51","slug":"what-are-my-values-5-tips-to-help-you-find-what-matters-most","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellnessfirst365.com\/?p=8827","title":{"rendered":"\u201cWhat are my values?\u201d 5 tips to help you find what matters most"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic<\/a>, PhD, RD, MBA<\/p>\n

We all know values are important, but that doesn’t mean we always know what ours are. Explore 5 tips to help you finally answer the question “What are my personal values?”<\/h2>\n

There comes a point in life when most people start asking bigger questions. \u201cWhat actually matters to me?\u201dor \u201cWhat kind of person do I want to be?\u201d In the middle of busy schedules, social pressure, and constant comparison, personal values can easily get pushed into the background. But should they? <\/p>\n

Maybe you\u2019re facing a big decision, like choosing a career path or where to live, and you\u2019re feeling stuck and unsure of which path feels right. Or perhaps you\u2019ve been reflecting on your life lately, feeling like something\u2019s missing, but you can\u2019t quite put your finger on what it is.<\/p>\n

Values are the principles that guide how daily life feels and what matters most to you. They\u2019re sort of like a GPS for what to do and why. And knowing what they are can help shape your choice in ways that feel intuitive. We\u2019ll explore what values are, why they matter, and how to identify your own with five practical exercises. We\u2019ll also include examples of personal values to help you get a better idea of what yours might be.<\/p>\n

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What are values?<\/h2>\n

At their core, values are the principles or ideals that guide how you live your life. Think of them like your internal GPS, guiding your actions, decisions, and relationships, and helping you discover what\u2019s meaningful to you. <\/p>\n

Your values answer three big questions: What do I stand for? What makes me feel fulfilled? What truly matters?<\/p>\n

Unlike goals (which are specific outcomes you want to achieve) values are more like the foundation of your life. They\u2019re often unchanging, and influence everything from how you spend your time to how you treat others. If kindness is one of your core values, you might find yourself prioritizing empathy<\/span><\/a> in your relationships or volunteering to help those in need, as both empathy and giving back are rooted in the value of kindness.<\/p>\n

Values are deeply personal, and no two people will have the exact same set. They\u2019re shaped by your upbringing, culture, experiences, and even the challenges you\u2019ve faced. Some values might come from your family\u2014like loyalty or hard work\u2014while others emerge as you grow and define your own identity.<\/p>\n

The best part? There\u2019s no right or wrong when it comes to values. They\u2019re unique to you, and discovering them is less about figuring out what you should value and more about tuning into what feels authentic. <\/p>\n

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Why are personal values important?<\/h2>\n

Say you\u2019re standing at a crossroads trying to decide which path to take. Without a clear sense of what matters most to you, every option may feel equally uncertain, and decision-making<\/span><\/a> can become overwhelming. That\u2019s where your values step in. Here\u2019s why understanding your values matters:<\/p>\n

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    They simplify decisions:<\/strong> Knowing your values helps you focus on what feels like the best fit with them, and filtering out all the rest.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    They give direction:<\/strong> Like a north star, values keep you grounded<\/span><\/a> and purposeful, even when life feels crazy or out of control.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    They boost confidence: <\/strong>Living true to your values helps to build self-assurance and esteem.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    They strengthen resilience: <\/strong>Values can act like a compass during tough times, helping you to keep moving forward in the right direction.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    They enrich relationships:<\/strong> Understanding your values and other people\u2019s values helps create deeper, more meaningful connections<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    They enhance happiness:<\/strong> Aligning your life with your values brings fulfillment beyond external achievements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    5 types of values (with examples)<\/h2>\n

    There are many different forms that your values can take, but they often fall into distinct categories. Take a look through these categories to help you understand the range of values people hold and identify which ones resonate most with you. <\/p>\n

    1. Moral values<\/h3>\n

    These are your internal guidelines for what \u201cright\u201d and \u201cwrong\u201d mean to you. Moral values often serve as a foundation for fairness, justice, and kindness<\/span><\/a> in our societies because they influence how we treat others.<\/p>\n

    Examples:<\/p>\n