What Are Personal Values?
How Defining Yours Can Boost Productivity and Clarity
You know that feeling when something looks good on paper… but feels off in your gut?
That tension is often a sign you’ve made a decision out of alignment with your values.
The truth is, most of us are living by a set of internal values, whether we’ve named them or not. And when we don’t take the time to get clear on what they are, we end up saying yes when we mean no, chasing someone else’s version of success, or burning out doing work that doesn’t actually light us up.
So, what even are values?
Values are the deeply held beliefs that guide how you live, work, and lead. They shape your priorities, influence your decisions, and determine what brings you energy or completely drains you. Think of them as your compass. They’re not goals. They’re not nice-to-haves. They’re the non-negotiables that sit under the surface of your choices.
Some common values include:
→ Freedom, Growth, Connection, Adventure, Integrity, Contribution, Security, Creativity.
They’re deeply personal, and no two people’s values will play out exactly the same way.
Aligning Your Values
We often think of productivity as getting more done, but I see it differently. True productivity is about doing more of what matters. And that means knowing what matters to you. Aligning your values with the work you are doing makes you more productive.
Here’s how values play a practical role in your productivity:
1. They help you prioritise
When you’re clear on what you value, decisions get easier. You stop trying to do it all and start choosing what aligns.
2. They reduce decision fatigue
Values act like filters. Instead of weighing every option equally, you ask: Does this align with my values? And suddenly the answer becomes obvious.
3. They boost motivation
Tasks connected to your values feel more meaningful. You’re not just ticking boxes, you’re building a life that reflects who you are.
A Simple Values Clarity Exercise
You don’t need a 100-question quiz or a personality test to get clear on your values. Try this:
Step 1: Reflect on a peak moment
Think of a time when you felt proud, energised, or fulfilled.
What was happening?
Who was there?
What made it feel so right?
Step 2: Identify the value being honoured
Ask: What mattered to me in that moment?
It might have been freedom, connection, growth, fun, purpose, or something else.
Step 3: Choose your top 3–5 values
Make a list of what comes up most often in moments that feel meaningful. You can look at the list below if you get stuck. These are likely your core values.
But Wait - Isn’t Value Also About Pricing?
Yes, and this is where the word “value” can get confusing.
There’s a big difference between personal values and perceived value:
The two do connect, though. If you value freedom, you might price your mahi in a way that gives you spaciousness. If you value contribution, you might build accessibility into your model.
But they’re different conversations — one is about what matters to you, the other is about what it’s worth to your client.
One Final Reflection
Next time you're staring down a big decision, try asking this:
“Which of my values is being honoured here and which one might I be ignoring?”
That one question can bring more clarity than a dozen productivity hacks ever will.
If you would like a deeper dive into personal values, please use the link below to find a time for us to talk.