Finish high school.
Go to college.
Get a degree.
Get a job.
Sounds like the traditional path that we’re all “supposed” to take, right? That’s what I was told all growing up, anyways. And to oblige, I did. I graduated and left for college. And then I turned right back around at the end of that school year, drove back to my dad’s house, put my bags down and told him that his freeloading buddy was back.
You see, it’s not that I couldn’t do it. In fact, I went back to school a few years later for a completely different degree. But neither time felt like it was right. Neither time felt like it was what I was supposed to be doing with my life. By no means am I saying that I was a 19 year old who had it all figured out. Quite the opposite, really. I just didn’t conform to the expectations of others.
Now, it wasn’t until this past year that I really understood what living authentically meant. I am a people pleaser to my core. I do everything I can to help others, support them, get them closer to their goals. But I can tell you, now that I have a little more self-awareness and understand my passions, strengths, and weaknesses… whewwww baby. Watch out. Your girl is true to herself nowadays.
One way I did this was by defining my core values. They helped shape my business, my career, and truly my sense of purpose.
The Foundation of Authentic Living
At the heart of authenticity for everyone are your core values – the fundamental beliefs that you have that shape your behavior and decisions. They define your character and purpose. But why do they matter so much?
Why Core Values Matter
- Guiding Decisions: Core values help you make decisions that feel good to you. When faced with a tough choice, referring back to your core values can provide clarity and direction. For example, if integrity is a core value of yours, you’re probably going to choose the honest way of doing things for the long term versus cheating someone even though it would be to your benefit in the short term.
- Consistency and Stability: Knowing your core values provides consistency in your actions and decisions. This consistency builds trust with others and provides a sense of stability in your life. When you live by your values, you create a solid foundation that can ebb and flow with the punches life throws us.
- Personal Fulfillment: Living in alignment with your core values brings a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. When your actions reflect your true self, you experience less inner conflict and more peace of mind. This alignment leads to a more meaningful and purpose-driven life.
If you want to hear more about living in alignment and how to create the path that reflects your values, check out this podcast episode!
The Role of Core Values in Business
That all sounds great, right? But this is a real estate business blog, so let’s get to the point… I got it. Having strong values attracts loyal customers, dedicated employees, and trusted partners. Let’s see how they influence business success a little deeper:
- Building Trust and Reputation: Companies that operate with transparency and integrity build trust with those around them. Trust is the primary building block of any successful business relationship, whether it’s with customers, employees, or investors. A strong reputation based on core values can make all the difference for a company in a competitive market like real estate.
- Guiding Business Strategy: Core values guide a company’s strategic decisions and long-term goals. For example, a business that values innovation will prioritize research and development, constantly seeking new ways to improve and stay ahead of the curve. These values help businesses stay focused on their mission and vision.
- Fostering a Positive Culture: Core values shape the organizational culture and influence how employees interact with each other and with clients. A positive, values-driven culture enhances employee satisfaction and retention, leading to higher productivity and better business outcomes. Employees who feel aligned with their company’s values are more engaged and motivated.
- Navigating Challenges: In times of crisis or uncertainty, core values provide a framework for making difficult decisions. Businesses that adhere to their values during tough times maintain their credibility and loyalty. Values-driven companies are better equipped to handle challenges with resilience and integrity.
So, how do you know what your core values are?
How to Identify Your Core Values
Identifying your core values involves introspection and reflection. Here are some steps to help you uncover what truly matters to you:
- Reflect on Past Experiences: Think about moments when you felt particularly proud, fulfilled, or upset. What values were at play during those times? These experiences can reveal what is most important to you.
- Define Your Principles: Make a list of principles that resonate with you. Narrow this list down to a few core values that you believe are non-negotiable. These should be the values that you are willing to stand by, even when it’s challenging.
- Think About Your Future: Envision your ideal future and consider what it looks like. What values will guide you in achieving that vision? By thinking about where you want to be and what kind of life you want to live, you can identify the core values that will help you reach your goals.
My personal core values, as well as the core values of CoreOps Collective are:
Stability
Contribution
Creativity
What are yours? I’d love to know. If you’re unsure of what they are, grab our Core Values worksheet to start going through them more in depth.
