Why are Core Values Important?

Consider the story of your life. Your story reflects the chain of daily decisions you have made and the resulting actions you have taken. Central to your decisions are values. They serve as an internal compass, guiding you through a world that is perpetually changing, often overwhelming, and certainly uncertain.

Your values are like an algorithm in a GPS that continually evaluates which roads will provide an optimal route to your destination. However, they don’t just scan for speed; they consider what is most important. Your destination could be parenthood, career progression, or philanthropy. It is your values that help you navigate towards this destination, avoiding paths that may lead to distress and nudging you toward what matters.

For example, you might realize that you have not been living in alignment with your value of physical fitness. You resolve to get fit, but there are many potential routes:

• Join a Crossfit club and do three half-hour sessions per week
• Sign up with a Yoga studio and practice for three hours per week
• Take up long-distance running

You might think that your final decision is based purely on preference. But if you enjoy all three activities, how will you decide?

If you value time with family, you might forgo long-distance running and choose the convenience of Crossfit. If you value peace, you will likely choose a yoga studio over a high-intensity workout or hitting the road. If you value freedom, then marathons might be your thing. Your underlying values ultimately offer the route to your destination.

Values provide direction

Especially in times of hardship, when life’s pressures and expectations weigh heavily upon us, our values can serve as torches in the darkness. They clarify what is truly important, inspiring us to act accordingly. When we follow a route charted by our values, we are not merely enduring life’s trials; we are actively engaging with them. This is called values alignment or integrity.

Values-aligned action leads to fulfillment, which is essential for personal resilience and well-being. In a society where external achievements are often hailed as the ultimate success, living in harmony with our values offers a more reflective, internal form of accomplishment. It is the satisfaction that stems from knowing we are being authentic and respecting our true selves, both in tranquil and turbulent times.

In this sense, our values are the architects of our fulfillment, and the silent co-authors of a life that is not just good but also profoundly, resonantly meaningful. It is important to be aware of typical obstacles to values-alignment.

Values make us happy

My favorite definition of happiness was gifted to me by Dr Sven Hansen, founder of the Resilience Institute. He said, “Happiness is a temporary relief from suffering.” For most people plugged into our modern world, suffering—most often in the form of stress—is a common adversary, and the pursuit of happiness can feel like an endless maze. However, the solution to both might be simpler than we think—it could be closely tied to understanding and aligning with our core values.

Values give clarity

Having a clear set of values is like carrying a high-powered LED headtorch while on a night expedition. Without the headtorch, we’re stumbling in the dark, often selecting the path of least resistance. Switch the torch on, and suddenly, we can delineate shapes, identify pathways, and avoid obstacles. Turned on—or brought to the forefront of decision-making—our values cut through the fog of uncertainty and illuminate paths that, while they may still be challenging, are clearly defined and aligned with what is most important. As my mentor, Ian Hutchinson, famously says, “Clarity creates control.”

Values help you say no

Now, let’s talk about the power of saying “no.” When your values are clear, this two-letter word becomes an essential tool for shaping your life according to your own terms. It’s not just a rejection or a denial; it’s a valiant act.

As highlighted in “The Power of Saying No” by Vanessa Patrick PHD, this vital skill conserves personal energy and time, ensures alignment with core values, prevents burnout from overcommitment, enhances self-worth, sharpens decision-making, fortifies relationships, and paves the way for meaningful opportunities and growth. This academic perspective echoes a sentiment often attributed to successful individuals like Warren Buffett, who once remarked, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”