Woman sitting on a rock overlooking a beautiful mountain range

In today's fast-paced world, we are constantly faced with choices that test our core values. At times, it might seem easier to compromise these values, but doing so can lead to a range of negative consequences. 

This is something I know all too well!

For most of my life, I felt extremely insecure. As a child and young adult, I would frequently "go along with the crowd," despite feeling deep inside that I shouldn't.

When I was able to overcome my insecurities, I was able to make better choices by simply following my heart—or what some call "following your gut." And when I look back, I can clearly see how going along with crowd shaped my life. Had I stood firm to my core beliefs, my life would have been very different!

The Foundation of Core Values

Core values are the fundamental principles that define our beliefs about what is right or wrong, good or bad. They shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions, ultimately influencing our identity and character. Examples of core values include honesty, integrity, loyalty, respect, and empathy. These values are deeply personal and stem from our individual experiences, beliefs, and priorities.

Studies have shown that core values can have a profound affect on us personally as well as in business and as a society.

The Price of Abandoning Core Values

When we choose to disregard our core values, we may experience a range of negative consequences. For example, we may feel guilty or ashamed, or we may experience a sense of dissonance between our actions and our beliefs. 

In some cases, compromising our values may even lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Furthermore, if we consistently act in ways that are inconsistent with our values, we may damage our relationships with others and erode our sense of self-worth.

I believe we are witnessing this effect in our society today with the rise in mental health issues and the divisions in our communities.

“Nothing is more important for the public wealth than to form and train youth in wisdom and virtue. Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

Strategies for Upholding Your Core Values

In a world that often values conformity and compromise, how can we stay true to our core values? Here are some practical tips:

Identify your core values: Take some time to reflect on what's truly important to you. What are the values that guide your life? Write them down and keep them in a place where you can see them often.
Make a plan: Once you've identified your core values, think about how you can incorporate them into your daily life. What actions can you take that are consistent with your values? Make a plan and commit to it.
Be mindful: Stay present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. When faced with difficult decisions, take a moment to consider how your options align with your values.
Surround yourself with like-minded people: Seek out relationships with people who share your values and who will support you in staying true to yourself.
Practice self-compassion: Remember that staying true to your values isn't always easy. Be kind and compassionate with yourself when you make mistakes or when it's challenging to stay true to yourself. Recognize that it's a journey and that it takes practice and effort.

Compromising our core values can have significant negative consequences for our mental health and relationships with others. However, staying true to ourselves can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life. 

By identifying our core values, making a plan, being mindful, surrounding ourselves with like-minded people, and practicing self-compassion, we can stay true to ourselves in a world that often values conformity and compromise.

Get my Free Core Values Worksheets

Download the Core Values Worksheets to help you determine your core values and evaluate the people in your closest circle.

Learn more about how your core values fit into your overall lifestyle and how to incorporate them into the life you design here: Living by Design: Creating a Life You Love

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Kelli
Kelli

Having "been there, done that", Kelli has pursued her dream of helping others visualize a lifestyle that feeds their soul and develop a plan to achieve it by leaning in on their personal strengths and providing positive reinforcement to help them reach their highest potential.

    2 replies to "Standing Firm: How Upholding Core Values Leads to a Fulfilling Life"

    • Victor

      Hmmm! This article resonates with me. Over and over again I had observed that I have compromised and I really need to get back to doing the things that uphold my core values but it seems like I am stuck where I am. This is reawakening. More of it please.
      Many thanks Kelli.

    • T'Lara Joy Freedom

      Thank you, Kelli, for another well written post.

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