Yesterday I did my homework for the branding training I am taking with Veronica at Wonderlust custom|design and it got me thinking (again) about my values, personal and business.
There are so many variations of the core values exercise out there and yesterday, while looking for further inspiration, I came across one that made a lot of sense to me. Very often, when we’re asked “What are your core values?”, we’re like “Um…”; it’s like the mind goes blank, right? Plus, our values change as we evolve as human beings, as our circumstances change (like having a child).
Here are three (3) simple steps to help you identify your core values:
- What are the top moments when you felt the happiest or most fulfilled? Think of at least three. What made these moments so incredible? You can meditate or journal about them.
- List the values present in these moments. For example, one such special moment for me was a number of year back when I was walking down the street, going to pick a pair of duck down pillows, and I looked up at the sky. It was of such a beautiful blue shade colour, and I felt so happy, so alive, and free. So, in this scenario, my core values are freedom and love of life.
- Prioritise these values into a hierarchy of most important to least important and select your top 5.
Once you uncover your core values through your experiences, you will be able to clearly see whether you are living and running your business according to them. Then you will be able to create a plan that will move you and your business forward while feeling in alignment.
I have my clients do a core values exercise before we even get on the deep dive call because building a launch plan that integrates their core values is so important.
Knowing yourself gives you a better understanding of how you interact with others, and I take that into account when I advise you on the best launch strategy for yourself so that you can implement the launch plan with ease.
Yes, I have said it many times, but hear me out: knowing yourself is a key ingredient to launching successfully and to growing a business. And identifying your core values provides you with a better understanding of yourself.