If you’ve never identified your core values, take this as your sign to do it now. Or if it’s been a while, revisit them and make sure they’re still applicable to you. Different seasons and circumstances can change them.

Knowing our values helps us to answer questions confidently, clearly and quickly. For example, let's say you value following through on commitments and you get invited to a happy hour after you’ve already told your son you’d play baseball with him before bed. Your response to the happy hour invite becomes clear!

Where many people get overwhelmed in determining their values is when they try to commit to too many or they don’t know how to implement their values in everyday ways. Here’s a simple strategy:

1. Make a list of things you desire in your life (like spending time with friends, feeling like part of a larger community, having strong family relationships, etc).

2. Ask those closest to you what they value most about you. This helps you identify what positive character traits come naturally to you. 

3. Narrow down just three values you want to nurture in your life. Keeping the list short will help you stay focused and make real progress. Revisit those values regularly to make sure you’re living in alignment with them.

Need some accountability to help you live out your core values? Our peer-advisory group is the best place to hash all that out and it’s part of your Treasury membership. Join now.