10 Journal Prompts to Discover Your Core Values

Uncover your core values with these 10 journal prompts:

1. Childhood heroes
2. Best memories
3. Decision-making process
4. Life purpose
5. Admirable traits in others
6. Future self vision
7. Proudest moments
8. Handling tough choices
9. Past regrets
10. Desired legacy

These prompts help you:

• Identify what truly matters to you
• Guide decision-making
• Find life purpose
• Increase self-awareness
• Align actions with beliefs

To get started:

1. Set aside 10-15 minutes daily
2. Use a notebook or digital app
3. Be honest in your responses
4. Look for patterns in your answers
5. Revisit and refine regularly

Remember: This is an ongoing process. Your values may evolve as you grow and change.

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Why Journaling Helps Find Your Values

Journaling isn't just scribbling thoughts. It's a tool that digs into your mind and uncovers what really matters to you.

Here's how:

1. Makes you think: Writing slows you down. You consider your thoughts and feelings deeply. This helps spot patterns in your behavior and beliefs.
2. Safe space: Your journal's private. Be 100% honest. No judgment. This honesty is key to finding your true values.
3. Shows patterns: Over time, themes emerge. These often point to your core values.
4. Processes emotions: Writing about feelings helps you understand them. This understanding reveals what you care about most.
5. Connects past and present: Look back at old entries. See how you've changed (or not). This highlights long-standing values.

Some facts:

How to journal for values:

1. Use prompts: "When have I felt most proud?" can reveal what you value.
2. Write regularly: 10 minutes daily can make a big difference.
3. Be honest: No one else will read this. Write your real thoughts and feelings.
4. Look for patterns: After a few weeks, review. What topics come up often?
5. Try different methods: Free writing or structured prompts? Experiment.

Steven C. Hayes, psychologist, says:

"Living by what you truly care about won't always be easy, but in combination with learning how to be more open and aware, a values-based life will bring you more fulfillment, meaning, and a deeper sense that you are living a life well lived."

Getting Started with These Prompts

To make the most of these journal prompts for discovering your core values, you need a good setup and routine. Here's how:

Create Your Writing Space

Your environment matters. Pick a spot with natural light, a comfy seat, and minimal clutter. It'll help you focus and enjoy the process.

Set Up Your Journaling Tools

Keep it simple:

• A notebook and pen
• A digital app
• Whatever you like writing with

Use what feels right for you.

Establish a Routine

Consistency is key:

• Start with 5-10 minutes
• Write at the same time daily
• Don't stress if you miss a day

How Often to Write

Choose what works for you. Quality beats quantity.

Tips for Effective Journaling

• Use prompts when stuck
• Don't worry about perfect writing
• Be honest - it's private
• Review entries to spot patterns

Who Were Your Childhood Heroes?

Think back to when you were a kid. Who did you look up to? This question gets to the heart of what you value.

Your childhood heroes often reflect what matters most to you. They could be:

• Real people (like family or athletes)
• Fictional characters
• Historical figures

For example, Nelson Mandela inspired many. Daniel Lynch, President of Empathy First Media, says:

"As a child, my hero was Nelson Mandela. His commitment to justice, resilience against adversity, and ability to forgive inspired me deeply. Mandela's journey from prisoner to president showed incredible strength and compassion."

This admiration points to values like justice, resilience, and forgiveness.

To use this prompt:

1. List 3-5 childhood heroes
2. Write why you admired each one
3. Look for common themes in your reasons

These themes often link to your core values.

Heroes can change over time. An author writing about Hannibal of Carthage explains:

"Hannibal was formidable in his ability to persevere and recreate himself throughout his long life."

At first, they admired Hannibal's military skills. Later, it was his resilience.

This prompt helps you reconnect with your younger self, uncover forgotten ideals, and see how your values have changed.

2. What Are Your Best Memories?

Your happiest memories often reveal what you value most. Think about times when you felt truly joyful. These moments can show a lot about your core values.

Let's say your best memories are family gatherings. That might mean you value connection. If they're about achieving goals, you probably value accomplishment.

Here's how to use this prompt:

1. List 3-5 of your best memories
2. Write why each one stands out
3. Look for common themes

Jeff Yoo, LMFT at Moment of Clarity Mental Health Center, says:

"Every memory we have is prone to change, forgetting, and errors in minor details–even when it refers to an important event."

So your memories might not be 100% accurate. But the feelings and values they represent? That's what matters.

Try keeping a memory journal. Write daily, weekly, or during big events. Some prompts to start:

• What's your earliest happy memory?
• What's the best year of your life so far? Why?
• What's your favorite memory with a friend?

3. How Do You Make Choices?

Your decision-making process is a window into your core values. Let's explore how your choices reveal what really matters to you.

Think about a big decision you made recently. What factors did you weigh? Why were they important?

Take a job offer decision, for example. Did you focus on the paycheck, work-life balance, or room to grow? Your priorities here can point to your underlying values.

Leadership Coach Randi Roberts puts it this way:

"By harnessing self-reflection to drive self-awareness, you're better equipped to make informed decisions, improve your relationships, and pursue your ideal career trajectory."

To dig deeper, ask yourself:

• When did you last feel sure about a choice?
• What part of deciding stresses you out?
• Do your choices line up with who you want to be?

Your values are your internal compass. As you think about your decisions, look for patterns. These often reflect your core values, even if you haven't spelled them out yet.

Dr. Robert Rue, an Ethicist and Educator, explains:

"Values are the essence of who we are as human beings… They help us select the work we do, the company we keep, the relationships we build, and ultimately, the groups and organizations that we lead."

Your choices shape your life. By understanding how you make them, you'll get a clearer picture of what truly drives you.

4. What's Your Life Purpose?

Finding your life purpose isn't easy, but it's worth it. Your purpose guides your choices and gives your life meaning.

Try this journaling exercise:

Write a letter to yourself about what you think your true purpose in life is. Don't worry if you're not sure - just start writing.

As you write, think about:

• When do you lose track of time?
• What makes you feel most like yourself?
• If money wasn't an issue, what would you do?

Your purpose doesn't have to be grand. It could be raising a family, fighting for a cause, or creating art.

Steve Pavlina, a personal development blogger, suggests a different approach:

1. Take out a blank sheet of paper
2. Write at the top: "What is my true purpose in life?"
3. Write down any answer that comes to mind
4. Repeat until you find an answer that moves you

Pavlina shares: "It took me about 25 minutes, and I reached my final answer at step 106. Here was my final answer: to live consciously and courageously, to resonate with love and compassion, to awaken the great spirits within others, and to leave this world in peace."

Your purpose might change over time. That's fine. The key is to keep exploring and growing.

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5. What Do You Like About Others?

The people you admire can reveal a lot about your own values. Let's explore this:

1. List 5-10 people you admire (friends, family, public figures).
2. Write down what you like about each person.
3. Look for patterns in these traits.

You might find you often admire honesty, kindness, or hard work. These likely align with your core values.

"Values also include rules of friendship interactions: how you greet each other, how you value each other's time, how you hold someone accountable..." - Rachael Benjamin, therapist

This isn't about copying others. It's about understanding what clicks with you.

Ask yourself:

• What do you respect in your friends?
• When have you felt proud of someone else's actions?
• Which of your friends' qualities do you wish you had more of?

Ayn Rand, author of Atlas Shrugged, put it this way:

"Happiness is a state of noncontradictory joy–a joy without penalty or guilt, a joy that does not clash with any of your values and does not work for your own destruction."

6. Who Do You Want to Be?

This prompt helps you uncover your core values by envisioning your future self.

Picture yourself 6-12 months from now, living your best life. What does it look like? How do you feel? What have you achieved?

Write your vision using "I am" statements:

"I am living a balanced life with daily exercise, healthy eating, and self-care. My relationships are strong. I handle stress well and listen to my body's needs."

This reveals what you truly value. Financial success might point to security or achievement. Helping others could indicate compassion as a core value.

Ask yourself:

• What habits has your future self developed?
• How does your future self treat others?
• What makes your future self proud?

Focus on the near future to keep things doable.

John R. Miles, author of Passion Struck, says:

"Creating your ideal self isn't just about setting goals. It's about aligning your daily actions, decisions, and mindset with the version of yourself you aspire to become."

To make it happen:

1. Choose small, daily actions that match your ideal self
2. Use positive self-talk that supports your vision
3. Revisit and update your "future self" as you grow

7. When Have You Felt Proud?

Pride reveals what matters to you. Let's dig into your experiences to uncover your guiding principles.

Set aside some time to list your accomplishments from the past year. Include everything from big wins to small victories in areas like health, relationships, work, and hobbies.

For each achievement, ask yourself:

• Why does this make me proud?
• What qualities did I show?
• How does it fit my values?

Maybe finishing a tough project shows you value achievement. Facing a fear? That's courage.

"When was the last time you were proud of yourself? How can you find that same (or similar) pride soon if you haven't felt it for a while?"

This exercise isn't just about identifying values. It's a mood booster too. As therapist Alo Johnston puts it:

"If you don't stop to acknowledge small wins, you're going to feel burnt out."

Don't forget about making a difference. Pride can come from helping others or standing up for what you believe in.

8. How Do You Handle Tough Choices?

Facing a tough decision? Your approach can reveal a lot about your core values. Let's explore this with a simple journaling exercise:

1. Pick a recent tough choice you faced
2. List your options
3. For each option, jot down:
   • Your gut reaction
   • What made you happy or anxious
   • How it fit with your ideal self
   • If it energized or drained you

After this, ask yourself:

• Anything surprise you?
• Did you lean towards one option?

This process can uncover hidden thoughts and feelings. Pay attention to recurring values - they might be your core ones.

"If you don't make values-based decisions, you might not fully express who you're meant to be."

To make this a habit:

• Find quiet time to reflect
• Use mind maps in your journal
• Flag options that clash with your values
• Don't forget to note your gut feelings

9. What Do You Wish You'd Done Differently?

Looking back can be a powerful tool for moving forward. This prompt isn't about dwelling on regrets, but using them to shape your future.

Here's how to tackle it:

1. Choose a decision you wish you'd made differently
2. Write down the outcome and its current impact
3. Identify the lessons learned
4. Consider how you'd handle it now

This exercise can reveal what truly matters to you.

Take Tom Gocke, CEO of Subtle Patriot. He pulled golf bags from retailers whose values clashed with OGIO's, despite losing revenue. Why? To stick to the brand's long-term vision and values.

"Values drive vision, vision drives mission, mission drives strategy, strategy drives execution, and execution drives reward. It all starts with values." - John Maxwell, Leadership Expert

To go deeper, ask yourself:

• What would you trade now to change that past decision?
• How would your life be different without that regret?
• What advice would you give your past self?

Remember, this isn't about self-criticism. It's a chance to grow and align your actions with your values.

Consider Zappos. They brought all warehousing and shipping in-house. It was expensive, but it aimed to maintain their top-notch customer loyalty. This shows how values can guide major business decisions.

By reflecting on what you'd do differently, you can:

• Clarify your current values
• Make better future choices
• Forgive past mistakes
• Use regret as a growth tool

This prompt helps you see your values in action, guiding you towards a more authentic life.

10. What Mark Do You Want to Leave?

Think about your lasting impact. It's not just about being remembered, but about making a difference.

Here's how to explore this:

1. Write a letter to your future self about your hoped-for legacy
2. List your core values and how your actions line up with them
3. Outline your life goals and plan to achieve them

Your legacy isn't just grand gestures. It's daily actions and how you treat others.

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

This quote shows how kindness and empathy shape your legacy.

Ways to make a positive impact:

• Volunteer regularly
• Stand up for causes you care about
• Help others in your community
• Share your skills and knowledge

Take Jaime Escalante, a math teacher in LA. He developed a strategy that helped struggling students pass the AP Calculus test. His work changed thousands of lives, showing how one person can make a big difference.

Ask yourself:

• What skills or knowledge can you share?
• How can you help your community?
• What causes matter to you?

Your answers can guide you towards actions that fit your values and shape your legacy.

Wrapping Up

Knowing your core values isn't just feel-good fluff. It's a game-changer for your life's direction and choices.

Why does it matter? Here's the deal:

1. Decision-making

Your values are like a built-in GPS. They help you navigate life's twists and turns, keeping you on track with who you really are.

2. Purpose

Values give your life meaning. They're the fuel that keeps you going, focusing your energy on what actually matters to you.

3. Authenticity

Living by your values? That's you being 100% you. No fake stuff, just genuine actions and relationships.

4. Well-being

Here's a fun fact: research shows that people who stick to their values are less stressed and more satisfied. Who doesn't want that?

So, how do you keep this values thing going?

• Daily check-in: Spend a few minutes each day thinking about how your actions lined up with your values.
• Regular tune-up: Every few months, take a look at your values. Do they still feel right?
• Value-based goals: When you're setting goals, ask yourself: "Does this fit with my core values?"

Remember, figuring out your values is just the start. The real work? That's in your everyday life. It's not about being perfect - it's about making progress and staying aware.

"We don't have to be perfect, just engaged and committed to aligning values with actions." - Brené Brown

This whole self-discovery thing? It's ongoing. Keep using those journal prompts, stay curious about yourself, and be open to growth. Your values are your personal roadmap to a life that feels right for you.

FAQs

How to identify core values?

Finding your core values is like digging for treasure inside yourself. Here's a quick way to uncover what really matters to you:

1. Happy moments

Think about times you felt truly happy. What were you doing? Who was there?

2. Proud achievements

Remember when you felt really proud. What did you do? Why did it matter so much?

3. Fulfilling experiences

Recall moments that left you feeling satisfied. What made them so special?

4. Spot patterns

Look at your answers. See any common themes?

5. Pick your top 5

From what you've discovered, choose the 5 values that hit home the hardest.

Now, try this: Write a personal mission statement using your top values. Start with "It's my mission in life to..."

Keep in mind, your values might change as you grow. It's a good idea to do this exercise every now and then to make sure your values still fit who you are now.

"Staying in alignment with your values and with the version of yourself you are working on cultivating is the fundamental aspect of authenticity that opens the door to the real you." - Yung Pueblo, Author

This quote nails it: Your values are your personal compass. They guide you to be your most authentic self.

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