Your Inner Compass: Discover the Values That Guide You

Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on your values? The inner compass that guides you, grounds you, and gives you strength during life’s challenges—do you know what those values are?

At Adler, the coaching school from which I graduated, value exploration is considered one of the cornerstones of coaching. That’s why I always start my coaching journey with clients by diving into a deep values exercise. And every time, I witness just how powerful and transformative this process can be.

So, What Are “Values”?

Values are the core principles that give our lives meaning and direction. They represent what we deeply care about and influence how we think, feel, and act. They guide our decisions, shape our priorities, and help us define how we want to live. Whether we realize it or not, our values influence every aspect of our lives—from our careers to our relationships.

(Positive Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy inspire this understanding.)

It’s worth noting that the "values" we’re talking about here are personal values, which differ from societal or cultural norms. They are unique to each individual and may or may not align with collective beliefs.

There are over a hundred values, but here are some common ones you might recognize: justice, curiosity, courage, honesty, compassion, cooperation, beauty, excitement, love, respect, trust… If you're reading this post, chances are that awareness and personal growth are among your values.

How Can You Discover Your Values?

Is it possible to uncover your core values without working with a coach? The answer is yes 😊 By asking ourselves the right questions, we can begin to identify what truly matters to us, gain clarity, and make more intentional decisions.

Here are a few reflection questions to get you started:

• If I had unlimited time and resources, what would I be doing?

• If I could live three different lives, what would I choose to experience in each?

• If I had a magic wand, what would I change in my life?

You can write down your answers and create a personal Values List with at least 10 values. Then, highlight the ones that feel most essential to you. This will help you see which values are driving your dreams, your goals, and your motivation in life.

I hope this post helps you reconnect with yourself and discover the values that make you you. ✨