If you’ve worked through my simple 4 step framework how to identify your personal core values, you may be wondering what values actually look like in practice. Here I’ll share 10 core values examples and how they might show up in daily life, so you can get clear on what your core values are and start living them.
Key Takeaways
Why Core Values Examples Are Useful
Understanding your values is one thing, but seeing how they play out in everyday life makes them far more practical. Real life examples show the impact values can have on decisions, relationships, and wellbeing. Research also suggests that acting in line with your values supports greater self connection and positive daily experiences. This makes it easier to recognise which values matter more to you.
Below are three ways real-life examples help make core values more tangible.
You Can See The Values in Action
You may know what your values are on paper, but they don’t mean much without concrete examples. Seeing how you might live a value helps to recognise what resonates with you.
People Express The Same Values Differently
There’s no “right” way to live a value so seeing some core values examples helps you understand what feels authentic for you.
They Help You Test What’s Really Important to You
If you can see core values examples, you can better understand how someone might live a value. Your emotional response helps you to know if the value feels authentic for you, or whether it just sounds good on paper.
Core Values Examples
Below are 10 core values examples, broken down by category.
Self Focused Core Values Examples
These are about your personal development and individual expression.
Authenticity
Being true to yourself, expressing who you really are and not pretending to be someone else.
What this value looks like in daily life:
Work
- Speaking up in meetings when you disagree
- Choosing roles that let you use your natural strengths
Relationships
- Sharing your opinions instead of just agreeing
- Setting boundaries around who you spend time with
Personal Choices
- Dressing in a way that feels like you
- Pursuing interests that genuinely fascinate you
Decision Making
- Asking yourself “what would I choose if no-one was watching?” and honouring that answer.
Creativity
Generating new ideas, expressing yourself artistically, finding innovative solutions
What this value looks like in daily life:
Work
- Looking for creative solutions to problems
- Suggesting new approaches
Home
- Cooking without recipes
- Decorating
Leisure
- Trying crafts
- Writing
- Playing music
Problem Solving
- Approaching challenges with a different approach (what if we tried… vs this is how it’s always done)
Growth/Learning
Developing yourself, gaining new knowledge, embracing challenges
What this value looks like in daily life:
Learning
- Reading, doing courses
- Asking questions
- Seeking feedback
Challenges
- Leaving your comfort zone
- viewing failures as learning opportunities
Career
- Asking for more responsibility
- Looking for roles that stretch you
Self Reflection
- Journalling, therapy, self-assessment
Health/Wellness
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being,
What this value looks like in daily life:
Physical
- Regular exercise
- Healthy eating
- Adequate sleep
Mental
- Managing stress
- Therapy
- Having boundaries
Energy
- Managing your schedule to avoid burnout
- Saying no to draining activities
- Saying no to draining activities
Environment
- Spending time in nature
- Creating spaces that support your well-being
Relationship Focused Core Values Examples
These are about how you connect with and contribute to others
Family
Prioritising relationships with family, honouring family traditions
What this value looks like in daily life:
Time
- Protecting family time
- Planning regular family activities
Traditions
- Celebrating special occasions together
- Maintaining family traditions
Communication
- Staying in contact with family
- Being present in interactions
Support
- Being available when a family member needs help
- Prioritising family needs when making decisions
Connection
Building meaningful relationships, experiencing belonging, feeling close to others, community
What this value looks like in daily life:
Relationships
- Prioritising quality time with loved ones
- being fully present during conversations
Work
- Choosing collaboration over competition
- Building genuine relationships with colleagues
Community
- Helping neighbours
- Participating in community events
Daily Interactions
- Asking thoughtful questions
- Making eye contact
Service/Contribution
Making a positive impact, helping others, contributing to causes
What this value looks like in daily life:
Work
- Choosing a career that helps others
- mentoring colleagues
Volunteering
- Service to organisations you care about
Daily Interactions
- Being helpful to family and friends
- Acts of kindness
Advocacy
- Supporting causes through time, money or your voice
Stability Focused Core Values Examples
These are about creating security and structure in your life
Security/Stability
Financial safety, emotional stability, reliable relationships
What this value looks like in daily life:
Financial
- Saving/investing
- Having emergency funds
Relationships
- Maintaining partnerships
- Creating routines with family
Home
- Creating peaceful spaces
- Having a consistent schedule
Career
- Choosing a stable job
- Maintaining professional relationships
Achievement
Setting and reaching goals, making measurable progress, excelling in what you do
What this value looks like in daily life:
Goals
- Setting clear objectives
- Tracking progress
- Celebrating milestones
Work
- Taking on challenging projects
- Seeking promotion
- Improving performance
Personal
- Learning new skills
- Completing projects
Excellence
Doing things to the best of your ability, taking a pride in your work, maintaining high standards
What this value looks like in daily life:
Work
- Going above and beyond minimum requirements
- Paying attention to detail
- Continuous improvement
Personal Projects
- Taking time to do things right rather than rushing through them
Learning
- Seeking to understand rather than just get by
Presentation
- Taking care with how you present yourself and your work
How to Use These Core Values Examples to Identify Your Own Values
Notice Your Emotional Response
Try to listen to your gut reaction rather than thinking logically. Do any of the examples here resonate with you? If any made you think “Yes, that’s important to me!”, those are probably your values. If there are any that feel more like obligations, those are unlikely to be your values.
Consider Your Current Life
- Look for evidence in your life that you are already living a value in some way.
- Try to notice what you naturally prioritise when making choices.
- Consider your regrets in life – what do you wish you had more of?
Test Different Expressions
Remember that a value can look different for different people. The way that you might naturally express the value depends on your personality and circumstances. Try small ways of living different values to see what feels authentic for you.
Final Thoughts on Core Values Examples
Seeing examples of core values helps to understand how they can show up in daily life so you can identify which ones resonate with you. Once you’re clear on your values you can start using them to make decisions and create small changes that help you to live more authentically. If you’d like to explore this idea further, this article on living with authenticity explains how aligning with your core values can support wellbeing and self-understanding.
If you’re ready to apply your values to help you achieve better balance in life read How to Create Balance in Life Using Your Values. If you’re wondering how to navigate the practical challenges that might arise when you’re living your values, you’ll want to read this post: What to Do When Values Conflict With Real Life.
Frequently Asked Questions
I hope you found this article with 10 core values examples helpful. I’m Lisa, an occupational therapist who loves sharing tips to help you live a calmer, more balanced, and meaningful life.
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