When I ask most people what they want from life, they rattle off a polished list: get a promotion, build a business, create a brand, find the right relationship, stay in shape…

But when I ask them why they want it, or if those things align with their personal values—and that’s where the silence creeps in.

This disconnect is a recipe for burnout, chronic dissatisfaction, and feeling “off” even when everything looks perfect on paper.

Let’s talk about why you absolutely need to identify your personal values before your goals take you somewhere your soul doesn’t want to go.

What Are Personal Values, Really?

Your personal values are the principles that shape your decisions, behavior, and sense of fulfillment. Values are not just “nice to have.” They are the compass. Think of them as your internal GPS. If your goals are the destination, your values are the route you should be taking.

When you don’t identify your personal values, it’s easy to chase status, money, or other people’s approval… and that will leave feeling unfulfilled and stuck.

On the contrary, when you do live by your values, even your difficult seasons feel aligned. You trust yourself more. You pivot faster. You stop people-pleasing and you start leading.

Why You Need to Clarify Your Values

If you’re the kind of person who sets goals, meets deadlines, and keeps pushing even when you’re running on fumes—this is especially for you.

Here’s why:

• Values protect you from burnout. When your hustle is misaligned with your values, your exhaustion feels existential.
• Values increase confidence. When you act in alignment with what truly matters to you, you stop seeking external validation.
• Values clarify hard decisions. Should you walk away, lean in, or wait? Your values make the answer clearer.
• Values improve relationships. You communicate more clearly, set better boundaries, and attract people who are truly aligned.

Ready to Identify Your Personal Values?

Start Here ↓

Below is a curated list of 100 personal values to reflect on. Scan through them and circle the ones that spark something in you. Then narrow it down to your top 5–10. Let those be your anchors.

100 Core Personal Values (Alphabetical)

What to Do Once You Identify Your Personal Values

Once you’ve narrowed down your top values, ask yourself:

1. Where in my life am I honoring these values?
2. Where am I betraying them to please others or meet expectations?
3. What changes do I need to make to live more aligned?

This is the real work. The kind that prevents identity crises, career regret, and relationship confusion down the line.

Final Word: Alignment > Achievement

You can keep checking off goals that look good on the outside, OR you can build a life that feels right on the inside.

When you identify your personal values and live from them, you stop chasing someone else’s version of success and you start building a version of life that actually sustains you.