How to use Core Values in your Self-Renewal

Many people around the world celebrate this time of year with the ultimate concepts of renewal. Christianity’s springtime observations include Lent, the days of Holy Week and Easter. Judaism has Passover and Japanese Buddhists celebrate Ohigan and they also reflect on the birthday of Buddha. In addition, Pagans and other earth-based denominations celebrate the spring equinox. It’s no coincidence that in Spring, renewal is on our minds. It appears nature itself is encouraging us to look within and express gratitude. It is a good time for you to discover “How to use Core Values in your Self-Renewal.”

Self-renewal is simply the process of renewing oneself. It is also the process of bringing ourselves more in line with our life purpose and values. In doing so, we also set the direction of forward progress in our lives. We can begin to think about what we can do to renew ourselves and to make new the life we live in. It is never too late to change our path. 

“By allowing our lives to mimic the cycles of nature we are reminded that no matter what happens to us there are always opportunities to shift a situation, to optimize our chances, and/or to start all over. Spring is a wonderful time of the year to consider who we are and how we want to be. It’s a great time to consider making changes and to set the course for the year moving forward.” psychologytoday.com

Core Values

Everyone has their own set of personal core values. Whether you’re aware of them or not, your personal values shape your life, your job, how you treat people, how you feel about yourself, your relationships, where you live, and where and how you spend your money. 

Your core values are the points of light that tell you how to navigate every experience. If you know your core values and live according to them, they will help you live the life you want. They will also allow you to pursue greater success and lasting happiness. 

Self-Renewal with Core Values

While self-renewal gives us the chance to consider who we are and how we want to be, our core values give us a path to follow. Core values define who we are, they are our guiding principles but can change and modify as we grow. 

What are Your Core Values?

It’s probable that you learned many of your values from your parents, extended family, your teachers, your religious leaders, and the society around you.  It’s also possible that circumstances of childhood or trauma have made your core values harder to access. 

You probably rebelled against some of those values at times or changed your mind  and moved farther away from your family’s values as you’ve grown, learning more about yourself and your world. It can be helpful to decide the top 4-8 values that mean the most to you right now and to understand those principles.

Your core values are as individual as you are. They are your internal compass that should determine your decisions. (There is a great worksheet on my website that can help you determine your core values.)

Examples of Core Values Words     

From the short list above, what if you identify “Family” as a core value, but you have to work and commute for  60 hours per week for your job. Won’t that give you conflict and result in stress? If you value “Creativity” but you spend every minute doing things exactly “by the book” won’t you soon be bored and unhappy. Neither of these illustrative examples reflect a life in line with your values. 

There are many ways to bring your core values to light. Our worksheet includes an inventory of 221 core value words to help you select your top core values.

A different approach to identifying your core values begins by taking some time getting to know you. Write your answers to these questions:

• When were you happiest? What were you doing and with whom? 
• When were you most proud? What were you proud of? Why? What contributed to it? 
• When were you most fulfilled and satisfied? How did this give your life meaning?
• Think of several people you love or admire. What qualities do they have?

Observe yourself and learn. As you go about your day, be mindful of the choices you make.  Name the value, as best you can, that led to the decision.

Self-Renewal is the Ultimate Self-Care

As you relearn or rededicate yourself to your self-renewal and values it’s time to take action. (Remember our old friends, “Goals and Action Steps”.) The following are a few self-renewal ideas I have used, still use and recommend. Please read, use, adapt or ignore them as you see fit. 

1. Take Time

Renewal is not a one and done. Take time to see what’s working and what’s not. Figure out your values and how honoring them might improve your life. You get do-overs!

2. Who R You?

If we don’t know who we are or what we want we cannot set goals or find fulfillment. Becoming aware of your value system, and finding a path to what we really want is a step toward a renewed self. Finding your purpose might not make you rich, but it will make you happy. 

3. Get Rid of the Bad Stuff

Renewal gives us a chance to rid ourselves of bad habits, start eating right and reinforce values that empower us toward a better life.  If there are people in your life that are toxic or negative, it is time to move on without them. Who you spend time with is who you become. 

4. Gratitude and Giving Back

This is one additional easy step to renew yourself, change the way you see yourself, and change how you see the world. By all means, practice gratitude; and if you want a true feeling of fulfillment, start giving back. Giving time, skills or money can make you realize how good your life is and how important an act of kindness is. 

Finally, remember that when you know how to use core values in your self-renewal, making decisions becomes easier. We are also less susceptible to other people’s opinions. Our path forward will become smoother and more successful. 

Related Articles:

• 12 Quick Questions Unmask How to Spiritually Self-Renew
• Core Values Worksheet (Including 221 Wonderful Core Value Words)

* Please leave a comment below. You may comment anonymously or you may use your first name. We may post or quote your comment on the website. We will never post or share your last name, email address or any other personal identifying information.