25 Oct 2023
Around ten years ago, I found myself feeling lost and disconnected from my true self. I was successful by societal standards, but deep down, I knew something was missing. That's when I stumbled upon the concept of a values inventory. Skeptical at first, I decided to give it a try.
A values inventory is a self-reflective process aimed at identifying and prioritizing your core values, beliefs, and principles that guide your decisions, behaviours, and priorities in life. It's a tool used for gaining a deeper understanding of what truly matters to you and aligning your actions and choices with those values.
Good for: Getting to know what is important to you to use as a guide in life
Best completed by: You; with a coach
If you get to know a person who has achieved success, 🔑 уоu'rе likеlу to find they are driven tо a lаrgе extent by a wеll-dеfinеd ѕеt of personal vаluеѕ. So, if уоu find уоurѕеlf unable tо gеt inѕрirеd, оr in a ѕituаtiоn where уоu'rе ѕtruggling tо bring раѕѕiоn tо уоur wоrk оr lifе, it's рrоbаblу time tо tаkе invеntоrу оf your values.
The benefits
One of the most significant benefits is gaining clarity about what truly matters to you. It helps you identify your core values, those principles and beliefs that are non-negotiable in your life. This clarity can be incredibly empowering as it guides your decision-making and actions.
Imagine a person who has always felt torn between their high-paying but unfulfilling job and their desire to spend more time with family and pursue creative hobbies. After conducting a values inventory, they realize that "family" and "creativity" are their top values. This newfound clarity helps them decide to transition to a less demanding job, allowing them to prioritize what truly matters – quality time with loved ones and pursuing their creative passions.
When you align your life with your values, you can experience a profound sense of fulfilment and purpose. It's like finally fitting the missing puzzle piece into your life's picture. This alignment helps reduce internal conflicts and leads to greater happiness.
Understanding them can serve as a powerful motivator. When your goals and actions align with your values, you're more likely to stay committed and motivated. This can be a game-changer when pursuing personal or professional aspirations. For example, consider an athlete who values "perseverance" and "excellence." During gruelling training sessions, they remind themselves of these values, which drive them to push harder and stay committed to their goals. Their values serve as a constant motivator, helping them achieve peak performance and reach their athletic aspirations.
Finally, knowing your personal values can provide a strong foundation during challenging times. It helps you stay true to yourself and navigate adversity with grace and resilience.
The process
Start with self-reflection by finding a quiet, comfortable space where you can reflect on your life and experiences. Journaling or meditating can be helpful tools to get in touch with your inner self.
Identifying your core values starts by asking yourself what principles and beliefs are most important to you. What aspects of life bring you the most joy and fulfilment? Write down the values that resonate with you.
Not all values are equally important, so rank your values in order of priority. Ask yourself, what matters most to you? What can you not compromise on?
Evaluate your current life situation – your career, relationships, and daily habits – in light of your prioritized values. Where are you in alignment, and where are you off-course? Make necessary adjustments.
This tool can be used to help individuals and organisations identify and clarify their core values. Values are the guiding principles that inform our actions and decisions and can be used as a framework for exploring what we believe and why we hold those beliefs.
This is one of my favourite growth strategies, as I have had first-hand experience of the benefits of conducting a values inventory. It can empower you to live a more authentic and purpose-driven life by aligning your actions with your core values.
Thank you for reading.
Dionne
Check out my online personal growth toolkit and journal, where you can get more clear focused productive by answering thought-provoking questions to know and grow yourself. Get your 14-day free trial and you can cancel anytime - sign up here.
