Core Values: Your Compass for Confident Decisions

Every single day, we're faced with a barrage of decisions. From the seemingly trivial, like what to toss into our morning smoothie (peanut butter, obviously!), to the more significant, like navigating our careers or relationships. Our lives are a constant stream of choices. We make thousands of them daily, and each one, no matter how small, requires a bit of cognitive effort. This is why, when we're tired, stressed, or simply overwhelmed, making those bigger, more impactful decisions can feel like climbing a mountain.

But what if there was a way to streamline this process, to make decision-making less of a burden and more of an intuitive flow, especially when our mental reserves are running low? The key lies in intention.

The Power of Intention and the Guiding Light of Values

Our dear friend Merriam-Webster defines intention as "a determination to act in a certain way." Building this intention into our daily lives so it becomes almost automatic and demands less cognitive effort, is where the profound concept of values comes into play.

Values are essentially the bedrock of who we are. They are the set of behaviors, beliefs, and things that we deeply care about and hold tightly to in our world. Think of it this way: if you value freedom above all else, then it naturally follows that you'd strive to build a life—from your career to your relationships—that actively supports and embodies that freedom. When you find yourself feeling unfulfilled or dissatisfied in a particular area of your life, it's often a clear signal that one of your core values is being challenged or neglected.

This isn't just true for individuals; companies also operate with a defined set of values. These values dictate how they hire employees, expect their employees to behave, reward them, and determine their goals. For instance, at MYNDY, our values are Learn, Own, Trust, and Service. These aren't just buzzwords; they are the guiding principles that inform every decision we make, from who we partner with to how we build our products and even when we need to part ways with a vendor.

By clearly defining what these personal values are, you empower yourself to make choices that not only feel right but also align with what you truly care about. This clarity accelerates decision-making and, crucially, helps you stay grounded when you find yourself caught in mental patterns that chip away at your well-being—be it rumination, people-pleasing, or the relentless pursuit of perfectionism.

Values as Constraints: A Path to Better Choices

James Clear, a renowned author and expert on habits and decision-making, eloquently discusses how values can drive our choices. In a particularly insightful passage from his work, he notes:

"Every decision is made within some type of constraint. Maybe it’s how much knowledge you have. Maybe it’s how much money you have. Maybe it’s how many resources you have. Why not what values you have? … Making better choices is often a matter of choosing better constraints. By limiting your options to those that fit your values, you are taking an important step to ensuring that your behavior matches your beliefs." (Clear, 2015)

This perspective is revolutionary. Instead of viewing constraints as limitations, Clear encourages us to see them as powerful filters. When we consciously choose to constrain our options to those that are congruent with our core values, we're not restricting ourselves; we're actually creating a clearer, more direct path toward decisions that genuinely serve us. This proactive alignment ensures that our actions are in harmony with our deeply held beliefs, fostering a sense of integrity and inner peace.

The Journey to Uncovering Your Core Values

So, how do you uncover these powerful internal compass points? It requires a bit of introspection, but the process is incredibly rewarding. This isn't just an exercise for your professional life; these values are for you, the whole human being. Your personal and professional selves are intertwined, and your core values should reflect this interconnectedness.

Here's a practical homework assignment to help you identify your top three core values across both your personal AND professional life (because you are—or should be—the same person at both, after all!):

1. Find a Comprehensive Values List: There are many excellent resources available online to get you started. You can use lists like those found on the Life Values Inventory website or a similar resource provided by Scott Jeffrey. Choose one list that resonates with you and begin your exploration.

2. Initial Selection (Top 40): Go through your chosen list and initially pick out around 40 values that broadly appeal to you or seem significant. Don't overthink this step; just let your intuition guide you.

3. Halve It (Top 20): Review your list of 40 and narrow it down to the top 20. At this stage, you may start to see patterns and priorities emerge.

4. Refine Further (Top 10): Cut your list down to roughly 10 values. This step requires a bit more mental strength…it’s tough! Which of these values truly speak to your core?

5. Identify Your Top 5: From your list of 10, select your absolute top 5 values. These are the ones that, if absent from your life, would feel fundamentally wrong or lead to significant dissatisfaction.

6. The Elite Three (Ranked): This is the crucial final step. From your top 5, thoughtfully choose your top 3 values and rank them in order of importance. These are the non-negotiables, the foundational pillars upon which you want to build your life.

Once you have your top three values, write them down. Put them on a sticky note, set them as your phone's wallpaper, or keep them prominently displayed somewhere you'll see them daily. The next time you're faced with a decision—whether it's choosing a new job, navigating a difficult conversation, or even planning your weekend—take a moment to pause. Ask yourself: "How can I use these values to make this decision in a way that is aligned with who I am?" Hopefully, it also makes the decision easier. 

When your values are absent, or actively violated, you'll feel it. Things will simply feel "wrong." Conversely, when you consistently make choices rooted in your values, you'll experience a simple sense of contentment, clarity, and/or satisfaction. It's a powerful shift from reactive decision-making to intentional, values-driven living.

So go ahead, embrace your core values! They're not just fancy words; they're your personal superpower for making decisions that feel totally right…even when life throws you tough decisions (or just a thousand daily choices). 

Here’s to feeling good about your decisions, one value-aligned choice at a time!