Core values are the fundamental beliefs that a person or organization lives by. They guide decision-making and provide a sense of purpose. Core values may be religious, ethical, or philosophical in nature, but they can also be more general, such as the core values of honesty or integrity.
When it comes to making important decisions, knowing your core values can be incredibly helpful. By staying true to your beliefs and principles, you can make choices that are in line with what you stand for โ which can be a source of comfort and guidance in difficult times. Additionally, living by your core values can help you stay focused and motivated in your work and other pursuits.
It’s also important to understand other people’s core values. This can help you better understand their motivations and why they do the things they do. Plus, it can be the foundation for strong relationships built on mutual respect. By appreciating others’ core values, you’re indicating that you see them as valuable individuals with their own unique perspectives โ something that we could all use more of in today’s world.
An Example List Of 56 Core Values
If you are trying to figure out what your core values are, use this list as a jumping board to help you define what matters most to you.
1. Honesty
Honesty is a core value that many people live by. It is the quality of being truthful and trustworthy. Honesty is an important virtue in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to business dealings.
2. Integrity
Integrity is another core value that refers to the quality of being honest and ethical. It is about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. People with integrity are known for their moral character and principled behavior.
3. Respect
Respect is a core value that involves treating others with dignity and esteem. It is about valuing the worth of every individual, regardless of their status or position in life. People who show respect for others are typically respected in return.
4. Responsibility
Responsibility is a core value that refers to the ability to be accountable for oneโs actions. It is about being reliable and dependable and taking ownership of oneโs choices and decisions. People who are responsible are often looked up to by others as role models.
5. Compassion
Compassion is a core value that involves caring for others and their welfare. It is about being empathetic and understanding, and willing to help those in need. People who are compassionate are often seen as kind and benevolent.
6. Family
Family is a core value that refers to the importance of relationships with relatives and loved ones. It is about spending time together, supporting one another, and creating lasting memories. People who prioritize family typically have strong bonds with their loved ones.
7. Friendship
Friendship is a core value that involves having close relationships with others. It is about being supportive, caring, and loyal to those we care about. People who value friendship typically have a wide circle of friends.
8. Happiness
Happiness is a core value that refers to the state of being content and satisfied with life. It is about finding joy in everyday moments and living a life that brings fulfillment. People who prioritize happiness are often seen as optimistic and positive.
9. Health
Health is a core value that refers to the importance of physical and mental well-being. It is about taking care of oneself and making choices that promote good health. People who prioritize health typically live active and healthy lifestyles.
10. Success
Success is a core value that involves setting goals and achieving them. It is about striving for excellence and reaching oneโs full potential. People who value success are often driven and ambitious.
11. Freedom
Freedom is a core value that refers to the state of being free from restraints. It is about living life on oneโs own terms and making choices without interference. People who prioritize freedom are often independent and non-conformist.
12. Love
Love is a core value that involves caring for others and showing them affection. It is about giving and receiving love unconditionally. People who value love typically have strong relationships with family, friends, and partners.
13. Equality
Equality is a core value that refers to the belief that all people are equal regardless of race, gender, or religion. It is about treating others with fairness and respect. People who prioritize equality are often seen as advocates for social justice.
14. Peace
Peace is a core value that refers to the absence of violence and conflict. It is about living in harmony with others and promoting peace in the world. People who value peace typically advocate for non-violent solutions to problems.
15. Creativity
Creativity is a core value that involves using oneโs imagination to produce something new. It is about thinking outside the box and coming up with original ideas. People who prioritize creativity are often seen as innovative and resourceful.
16. Curiosity
Curiosity is a core value that refers to the desire to learn and explore new things. It is about being inquisitive and open-minded, and constantly expanding oneโs horizons. People who value curiosity are often life-long learners.
17. Determination
Determination is a core value that involves setting goals and working hard to achieve them. It is about being persistent and tenacious, and never giving up on oneself. People who value determination are often seen as successful and driven.
18. Empathy
Empathy is a core value that involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It is about being compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. People who prioritize empathy are often good at networking and building relationships.
19. Excellence
Excellence is a core value that refers to the quality of being outstanding or extremely good at something. It is about going above and beyond, and constantly striving for perfection. People who value excellence are often seen as high achievers.
20. Faith
Faith is a core value that refers to belief in something without evidence. It is about trusting in the unseen and having hope in spite of adversity. People who prioritize faith typically have strong convictions and are hopeful optimists.
21. Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a core value that refers to the act of pardoning someone for a wrong they have done (even yourself). It is about letting go of anger and resentment and moving on with life. People who prioritize forgiveness are often seen as compassionate and understanding.
22. Balance
Balance is a core value that refers to the state of being in harmony or proportion. It is about finding a middle ground and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. People who prioritize balance are often seen as level-headed and sensible.
23. Beauty
Beauty is a core value that refers to the quality of being pleasing or attractive. It is about appreciating art and aesthetics and valuing inner beauty as well as physical appearance. People who prioritize beauty are often creative and expressive.
24. Bravery
Bravery is a core value that involves facing fears and overcoming challenges. It is about being courageous and standing up for what one believes in. People who value bravery are often seen as strong leaders and admirable role models.
25. Influence
Influence is a core value that refers to the ability to have an impact on others. It is about using oneโs power and influence for good and making a positive difference in the world. People who prioritize influence are often seen as influential and inspiring.
26. Justice
Justice is a core value that refers to the quality of being just or fair. It is about treating others fairly and standing up for what is right. People who prioritize justice are often seen as equitable and principled.
27. Knowledge
Knowledge is a core value that refers to the state of knowing something through experience or study. It is about acquiring information and understanding concepts. People who prioritize knowledge are often seen as intelligent and well-informed.
28. Leadership
Leadership is a core value that involves leading others towards a common goal. It is about taking charge and inspiring others to achieve their best. People who value leadership are often seen as confident and influential.
29. Loyalty
Loyalty is a core value that refers to the quality of being faithful or devoted. It is about being reliable and supportive, even in difficult times. People who value loyalty are often seen as dependable and trustworthy.
30. Patience
Patience is a core value that refers to the ability to endure hardship or adversity without complaint. It is about remaining calm and level-headed in challenging situations. People who prioritize patience are often seen as patient and resilient.
31. Perseverance
Perseverance is a core value that refers to the ability to continue despite difficulties or setbacks. It is about not giving up and persisting through tough times. People who prioritize perseverance are often seen as determined and hardworking.
32. Power
Power is a core value that refers to the ability to control or influence others. It is about using oneโs authority for good and making a positive difference in the world. People who prioritize power are often seen as influential and inspiring.
33. Optimism
Optimism is a core value that refers to the quality of being hopeful or positive. It is about looking on the bright side and believing that good things will happen. People who prioritize optimism are often seen as cheerful and upbeat.
34. Passion
Passion is a core value that refers to a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement. It is about having a strong interest or desire for something. People who prioritize passion are often seen as motivated and dedicated.
35. Purpose
Purpose is a core value that refers to the reason why something exists or is done. It is about having meaning and direction in life. People who prioritize purpose are often seen as driven and focused.
36. Reliability
Reliability is a core value that refers to the quality of being dependable or trustworthy. It is about keeping oneโs word and being consistent in oneโs actions. People who prioritize reliability are often seen as reliable and responsible.
37. Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is a core value that refers to the belief that animals should be treated humanely and with compassion. It is about taking care of our furry friends and making sure they have a good quality of life. People who prioritize animal welfare are often seen as kind and compassionate.
38. Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is a core value that refers to the ability to control oneโs thoughts, emotions, and actions. It is about staying focused and committed, even in the face of temptation. People who prioritize self-discipline are often seen as disciplined and self-controlled.
39. Spirituality
Spirituality is a core value that refers to the quality of being religious or spiritual. It is about having a connection with a higher power or an understanding of the meaning of life. People who prioritize spirituality are often seen as spiritual and reflective.
40. Wisdom
Wisdom is a core value that refers to the quality of being wise or knowledgeable. It is about making good decisions and using oneโs knowledge for the greater good. People who prioritize wisdom are often seen as wise and insightful.
41. Unity
Unity is a core value that refers to the state of being united or in harmony. It is about working together for a common goal or purpose. People who prioritize unity are often seen as cooperative and team oriented.
42. Volunteerism
Volunteerism is a core value that refers to the belief that people should help others without expecting anything in return. It is about giving back to the community and making a difference in the world. People who prioritize volunteerism are often seen as generous and altruistic.
43. Wealth
Wealth is a core value that refers to the quality of being rich or prosperous. It is about having material possessions and financial security. People who prioritize wealth are often seen as successful and ambitious.
44. Youthfulness
Youthfulness is a core value that refers to the quality of being young or youthful. It is about having a positive outlook on life and staying young at heart. People who prioritize youthfulness are often seen as energetic and optimistic.
45. Humility
Humility is a core value that refers to the quality of being humble or modest. It is about having a low opinion of oneself and not thinking too highly of oneself. People who prioritize humility are often seen as humble and down-to-earth.
46. Joy
Joy is a core value that refers to the feeling of happiness or delight. It is about having positive emotions and enjoying life. People who prioritize joy are often seen as happy and joyful.
47. Kindness
Kindness is a core value that refers to the quality of being kind or gentle. It is about being caring and considerate towards others. People who prioritize kindness are often seen as kind and compassionate.
48. Maturity
Maturity is a core value that refers to the quality of being mature or an adult. It is about being responsible and taking on adult duties and responsibilities. People who prioritize maturity are often seen as mature and responsible.
49. Moderation
Moderation is a core value that refers to the quality of being moderate or balanced. It is about not excessive in oneโs thoughts, emotions, or actions. People who prioritize moderation are often seen as level-headed and moderate.
50. Confidence
Confidence is a core value that refers to the quality of being confident or self-assured. It is about having faith in oneself and oneโs abilities. People who prioritize confidence are often seen as confident and self-assured.
51. Improvement
Improvement is a core value that refers to the quality of getting better or making progress. It is about constantly striving to be better and do better. People who prioritize improvement are often seen as hardworking and dedicated.
52. Patriotism
Patriotism is a core value that refers to the quality of being patriotic or nationalistic. It is about love and support for oneโs country. People who prioritize patriotism are often seen as patriotic and nationalistic.
53. Calmness
Calmness is a core value that refers to the quality of being calm or tranquil. It is about being peaceful and free from agitation or excitement. People who prioritize calmness are often seen as calm and collected.
54. Cooperation
Cooperation is a core value that refers to the quality of working together or acting in unison. It is about working together towards a common goal or purpose. People who prioritize cooperation are often seen as cooperative and team oriented.
55. Level-Headed
Level-headedness is a core value that refers to the quality of being level-headed or sensible. It is about thinking clearly and making sound decisions. People who prioritize level-headedness are often seen as level-headed and sensible.
56. Self-Control
Self-control is a core value that refers to the quality of having self-control or self-discipline. It is about being in control of oneself and oneโs actions. People who prioritize self-control are often seen as self-controlled and disciplined.
