Kill, Keep, or Combine: Navigating Life with Your Core Values
Do you have a roadmap for life?
Imagine having a cheat sheet for every major decision in life…
Spoiler alert
It's all about your core values
Unlike goals that come and go, core values are the bedrock, your true north that doesn't waver in the wind.
Why do I say ‘core” values?
Because we can represent many things in life, but your core values are the most representative. They're your five values that define yourself and every action in this reality.
Regular values can be numerous things, but the core values are unshakeable.
Benefits of Having Core Values In Life
They're your go-to whenever you're at a crossroads, be it in choosing friends, a job, a partner, a community, or even picking up a new hobby.
Let's say honesty is your jam, and you're eyeing someone who's got a history of playing fast and loose with the truth.
Boom, there's your answer.
Core values simplify life, cutting through the noise and confusion.
They're the reason you can confidently say, "This is me. This is what I stand for," without needing to dive into a lengthy explanation.
But the perks of having these deeply-rooted values don't stop there:
You Get a Strong Identity Vibe: Knowing your core values means you know who you are and what you're about.
Decision-Making Gets a Whole Lot Easier: Core values are like your personal cheat sheet for navigating life's decisions.
Values Stick Around: They're with you for the long haul, unlike goals that might change or become irrelevant.
How to Drill Down to Your Core Values
Ready to get your core values in order?
Set aside some quiet time.
If you're part of a duo, bring your partner into this soul-searching party. Spend five minutes brain-dumping every value that pops into your head.
Think about what makes someone stand out as exemplary, consider role models, ponder over ideals of family, growth, acceptance, love, responsibility, adventure
Let it all flow.
Kill, Keep, or Combine
After you've got your list, it's time to play a game of kill, keep, or combine.
You're aiming to whittle your list down to a powerhouse lineup of 5 core values.
Why?
Because having a gazillion values floating around in your head is like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle—it's too much.
You need a tight squad of values that speak to you.
The Nitty-Gritty: Kill, Keep, or Combine
Kill the Value: If a value doesn't light a fire in your heart, it's time to say goodbye. If it feels meaningless or just doesn't spark joy, out it goes.
Keep the Value: These are your non-negotiables, the values that you feel deep down in your bones. They're the foundation of who you are and everything you want to build in life.
Combine the Values: Spot a couple of values on your list that are basically cousins? Mash 'em together.
Like, if you've got 'thankfulness' and 'gratitude' on your list, why not roll them into one mega-value of 'gratefulness'?
Living Out Loud with Your Values
Remember, value isn't just a fancy word; it's a representation of your actions, your goals, your personal growth, your beliefs, and your take on what's right in the world.
For instance, if adventure is what gets your heart racing, then every decision—from picking friends to choosing where to live—should resonate with that value.
If faith is your cornerstone, then aligning with people and places that share this belief is key.
Once you've locked down your 5 core values, life starts to get a whole lot clearer.
No more second-guessing every decision.
These values are like your personal team of superheroes, ready to guide you through whatever life throws your way.
And hey, it doesn't hurt to keep little reminders of your core values around.
Whether it's art that speaks to your faith, weekly heart-to-hearts with friends that keep honesty in check, or making health a priority, these actions reinforce the path you're on.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
A little heart-to-heart on how to make your core values work for you, steering you towards your brightest self.
And remember, you're already amazing—these values just help you shine even brighter.
Much love.
-Jack