At the heart of true happiness lies a profound understanding of your core values and a commitment to living in alignment with them. Your core values are the guiding principles that shape your decisions, actions, and ultimately, your life's purpose.

Core values are the deeply held beliefs and principles that define who you are as an individual such as family, health, honesty, respect, etc. They represent what you stand for, what truly matters to you, and the essence of your authenticity. They act as a moral and ethical framework, helping you make choices that are in harmony with your true self. When you align your actions with your core values, you create a life that is authentic, fulfilling, and deeply satisfying.

Goals

Begin by cultivating a deep understanding of your core values and what they truly represent—what you stand for at your very core. Once you've identified these guiding principles, wholeheartedly embrace them in your daily life. Consistently remind yourself of these values and make a conscious effort to live in alignment with them.

Implementation

Your journey to a more fulfilling life begins with understanding and living your core values. It's a process that takes time and commitment but with this simple plan you get started!

1. Self-Reflection and Exploration: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Use online tools and resources for self-assessment. Websites like VIA Institute on Character, MindTools, Personal Values, and LifeValues Inventory offer valuable tools for identifying core values.
2. Define Your Core Values: Compile a list of the values that resonate with you the most. Prioritize these values based on their significance to you.You can do this by assigning numbers or simply rearranging them in a list. Keep in mind that your priorities may change over time, so this is not a fixed list. It's a snapshot of your values at this moment in your life.

3. Live In Line With Your Value: Write down your list and hang it out on a visible place. Choose one or more core values to focus on every week. Every week you can evaluate if you want to focus on the same value this week, or choose another one from your list. Make a conscious effort to put that value into practice every day of that week. 

Patience is key in discovering and living your core values. As you rotate through them, you'll gradually master the art of an authentic and fulfilling life.

Benefits

In a remote and impoverished refugee camp situated in war-torn South Sudan, individuals embraced living in alignment with their core values, focusing on unity, compassion, and resilience. Despite the harsh living conditions in this conflict-affected region, those who practiced these values experienced profound happiness and fulfillment.

Research shows that when individuals prioritize and practice their values, they experience greater well-being, autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The underlying principles of living according to your values are supported by established psychological concepts and research findings.

Increased Happiness

Living in accordance with your core values leads to greater overall happiness and life satisfaction.

Improved Decision-Making

Core values serve as a guide for making decisions that are in harmony with your true self.

Authenticity

This practice fosters authenticity, allowing you to be true to yourself and your beliefs.

Enhanced Well-Being

Living in accordance with your values can positively impact your mental and emotional well-being.