Author: The Q Studio Team
Our core values play a fundamental role in how we shape our experiences and actions. A large part of how we find meaning in life is directly influenced by how well we understand our core values.
In order to live well — truly well – by thinking, feeling, and doing better, we need to know what matters most to us.
By tuning into our core values, we can learn to make decisions throughout our lives that more closely align with what’s important to us, which allows us to feel like life is going well.
What are Core Values
Core beliefs and core values may sound similar, but there are distinct differences between the two.
Core beliefs are assumptions that are deeply embedded in us from our early experiences, culture, and personal history. They provide us with a “lens of conviction” through which we interpret the world.
Core values, by contrast, are deeply personal guideposts that define who we are at our essence and what kind of life we want to live. Our core values act as an internal decision-making framework. For example, when faced with a choice between two job offers, a moral dilemma, or even how to spend a weekend, our values help determine which path will leave us feeling fulfilled versus regretful.
A simple way to think about core values could be that it’s our internal GPS that tells us when we are on or off course.
Essentially, our core beliefs inform what we see and feel, while our core values guide our actions, helping to determine where we should invest our time, energy, and resources.
Why Core Values matter
Core values work as our moral compass to guide decision making. When the choices we make are aligned with our core values, it drives consistency and integrity in our actions.
In turn, we feel more purposeful and self-assured.
Much research has shown that people who have a clear sense of their values demonstrate stronger self-awareness. In turn, those who are more self-aware often have a greater ability to regulate emotions, communicate effectively, influence outcomes, and maintain strong relationships — among other things.
Since core values also help us understand who we want to be, we can tap into what truly matters to us and align our goals accordingly. This helps to improve our sense of purpose and resilience at the same time.
How can Core Values be put into practice
Understanding core values helps us build mental fitness in a defined way in the real world. We can learn how to identify professional opportunities that lead to satisfaction, for example, and strengthen our relationships, too.
Relationships that are built on the agreement of two people’s core values form the bedrock of compatibility — whether it’s a romantic, platonic, work-based, or familial relationship.
Connections are easier to maintain when there is mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s values. This helps to guide us through not just the “good” times but the challenging ones, too, when conflicts may arise.
In short, the mental noise and clutter that we often experience when faced with difficult situations, whether its high-pressure projects at work, conflicts in our personal lives, or even when having to make life choices that seem out of our control – one effective way to bring clarity is to tune into our core values. With that as the reflecting lens, facts come into focus, decisions seem straight-forward, and we are left feeling that we made the ‘right’ choice.
Q Studio’s framework – Q-CORE makes it practical to apply this lens to important decisions:
Q: Quiet – Bring quiet to the mind by bringing your focus to the present moment. Use a technique like noticing your breath or grounding through an object.
C: Clarify – Clarify your core values (personal, professional etc.) to identify what truly matters.
O: Own – Own your values and take responsibility for them. Internalize your values so that they become a part of who you are.
R: Reflect – Reflect on how your decisions align with your core values.
E: Execute – Focus on the execution of the action that brings your core values to life.
When we allow our core values to navigate us through life, we live more authentically towards us. By consciously applying core values to all aspects of life, we empower ourselves to live with confidence and authenticity.