How to determine your core values and define success for a fulfilling and meaningful life.

So why are core values important? Not only are they what matters to us and what we stand for, they also form our belief system about ourselves, others and the world. They dictate our behavior and actions. They are the base for our decisions. They define who we are. If we value peace, we will be peaceful. If we value love, we will be loving.

Here is one way to determine your core values and base your definition of success on those values instead of someone else’s. This process will take some time. Find a comfortable and quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and go down this list of 200 values highlighting the ones that have meaning for you. Don’t judge. Just highlight.

Now, from the list of highlighted values, pick 50 or less that mean the most to you.

Next from the list of 50 circle only 20. Make sure those are your values, not your parents, friends or society. Once you have the 20, write down why you picked each one. Through this process your will discover their meaning and if they really are your values. Now comes the hard part. Pick the top 3 to 4 values that hold the most meaning for you.

For the last step, write down your definition of success based on those values. Start with;

I am successful when…….

Example: for connection, meaning, impact and authentic the definition could be;

I am successful when I am surrounded by people that mean the most to me (connection), I am using my gift and talents to create positive impact on the world around me (impact and meaning), and I am living my truth and authenticity (authentic)

Once you have your definition of success, you won’t ever compare yourself to anyone. You won’t have the need to. It will be insignificant and irrelevant what others think or say about who you are, and how successful you are. Your measuring stick now is your meaning of success. I would encourage you to do this exercise every couple of years, especially after life changing events like death of a loved one, marriage, divorce, birth of a child. Let me know what you notice and discover. Leave me a comment at success@katarzynaorlow.com

Here’s to a new meaningful and fulfilling life that is worth living.

This list is meant to support you and is not a list of all values. If you value something that is not on this list, use it.

Acceptance

Cooperation

Fun

Moderation

Simplicity

Accomplishment

Courage

Generosity

Motivation

Sincerity

Accountability

Courtesy

Genius

Openness

Skill

Accuracy

Creation

Giving

Optimism

Skillfulness

Achievement

Creativity

Goodness

Order

Smart

Adaptability

Credibility

Grace

Organization

Solitude

Alertness

Curiosity

Gratitude

Originality

Spirit

Altruism

Decisive

Greatness

Passion

Spirituality

Ambition

Decisiveness

Growth

Patience

Spontaneous

Amusement

Dedication

Happiness

Peace

Stability

Assertiveness

Dependability

Hard work

Performance

Status

Attentive

Determination

Harmony

Persistence

Stewardship

Awareness

Development

Health

Playfulness

Strength

Balance

Devotion

Honesty

Poise

Structure

Beauty

Dignity

Honor

Potential

Success

Boldness

Discipline

Hope

Power

Support

Bravery

Discovery

Humility

Present

Surprise

Brilliance

Drive

Humor

Productivity

Sustainability

Calm

Effectiveness

Imagination

Professionalism

Talent

Candor

Efficiency

Improvement

Prosperity

Teamwork

Capable

Empathy

Independence

Purpose

Temperance

Careful

Empower

Individuality

Quality

Thankful

Certainty

Endurance

Innovation

Realistic

Thorough

Challenge

Energy

Inquisitive

Reason

Thoughtful

Charity

Enjoyment

Insightful

Recognition

Timeliness

Cleanliness

Enthusiasm

Inspiring

Recreation

Tolerance

Clear

Equality

Integrity

Reflective

Toughness

Clever

Ethical

Intelligence

Respect

Traditional

Comfort

Excellence

Intensity

Responsibility

Tranquility

Commitment

Experience

Intuitive

Restraint

Transparency

Common sense

Exploration

Joy

Results-oriented

Trust

Communication

Expressive

Justice

Reverence

Trustworthy

Community

Fairness

Kindness

Rigor

Truth

Compassion

Family

Knowledge

Risk

Understanding

Competence

Famous

Lawful

Satisfaction

Uniqueness

Concentration

Fearless

Leadership

Security

Unity

Confidence

Feelings

Learning

Self-reliance

Valor

Connection

Ferocious

Liberty

Selfless

Victory

Consciousness

Fidelity

Logic

Sensitivity

Vigor

Consistency

Focus

Love

Serenity

Vision

Contentment

Foresight

Loyalty

Service

Vitality

Contribution

Fortitude

Mastery

Sharing

Wealth

Control

Freedom

Maturity

Significance

Welcoming

Conviction

Friendship

Meaning

Silence

Winning

Wisdom

Wonder

Core Values compiled from James Clear.com/core-values and Scott Jeffrey The Self-Actualization Manifesto.