Have you ever felt like something was off—like you were saying yes to things you didn’t want or chasing goals that didn’t really light you up? That feeling might be your internal compass nudging you to align with your values. But here’s the thing: how often do we actually sit down and define those values for ourselves?
It’s time to change that. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just trying to live with purpose, your values are the foundation. When you take the time to author your values, you gain clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for making decisions that feel true to you.
Why Values Matter
Think of your values as your personal North Star. They guide your choices, shape your goals, and influence how you show up in the world. Without them, it’s easy to get swept up in what everyone else thinks you should do. But when you know your values, decision-making becomes easier, relationships become more meaningful, and your leadership takes on a whole new level of authenticity.
How to Author Your Values
Creating your list of values doesn’t require a fancy retreat or hours of meditation (although go for it if that’s your vibe). Here’s a simple, actionable process to get started:
1. Reflect on Peak Moments
Think about times when you felt deeply proud, fulfilled, or aligned. What was happening? Who were you with? What values were being honored in those moments? Maybe it was a time you stood up for someone, crushed a project, or felt at peace spending time with loved ones.
2. Identify What Drains You
Flip the script. When did you feel drained, frustrated, or out of sync? Often, these moments arise when our values are ignored or violated. If you hated a job because it lacked collaboration, teamwork might be one of your core values.
3. Start with a List
Write down all the values that come to mind—things like integrity, creativity, compassion, ambition, adventure, or balance. If you’re stuck, Google “list of values” for inspiration. Then, narrow it down to 5-7 that resonate most with you.
4. Define Them
Once you’ve got your shortlist, write a sentence or two about what each value means to you. For example, if you value “growth,” you might define it as: Constantly learning, taking on challenges, and pushing myself to improve. Defining your values helps you own them and understand how to live them.
If you need help getting started, here’s a WORKSHEET that can help!
Putting Your Values into Action
Having values is great, but living them is where the magic happens. Here’s how:
- Use Them for Decision-Making
When you’re faced with a tough decision, ask yourself: Does this align with my values? For example, if “balance” is a core value, saying no to a project that would cause burnout becomes a no-brainer. - Communicate Your Values
Share your values with your team, friends, or loved ones. This builds trust and helps people understand where you’re coming from. It can also make it more comfortable for them to work on and share their values. - Check In Regularly
Your values might shift over time, and that’s okay. Make it a habit to revisit and refine them as you grow and evolve.
Lead with Your Values
As a young female leader, authoring your values is one of the most empowering things you can do. It sets the tone for how you lead, how you build relationships, and how you show up every day.
So grab a journal, pour yourself a coffee (or wine—no judgment), and start uncovering what truly matters to you. Because when you lead with your values, you’re unstoppable.
Now tell us in the comments: What’s one value you live by? 💬 Let’s start the conversation!
