What matters for you in this life?

Core Values List Top 50 Examples and Meanings

This plain guide defines the most common personal values.
Authenticity, Growth, Integrity, Balance, and shows how each value looks in everyday life with practical examples.

Use it to quickly shortlist your 5–7 core values, align your decisions, and spot trade-offs when priorities collide. Whether you’re exploring self-discovery, preparing for interviews, or improving relationships, this values list gives you clear definitions, simple exercises, and next-step prompts so your values turn into action, not just words.

How to use this list

Skim the definitions; mark anything that resonates.
Star no more than 12 values on your first pass.
Cut to 5–7 by asking: “Which would I protect even under pressure?”
Translate each final value into one weekly action.

  • Authenticity
    Being true to yourself even when it’s inconvenient.
    Ex: Declining work that conflicts with your principles.

  • Autonomy
    Freedom to choose how you live and work.
    Ex: Protecting maker time on your calendar.

  • Balance
    Healthy distribution of time/energy across life areas.
    Ex: No-meeting Fridays.

  • Belonging
    Feeling accepted in a group or community.
    Ex: Weekly team lunch you always attend.

  • Compassion
    Caring action toward others’ struggles.
    Ex: Checking in on a stressed classmate.

  • Competence
    Getting good and staying good at what matters.
    Ex: Regular practice and feedback loops.

  • Contribution
    Adding value beyond yourself.
    Ex: Mentoring one junior per quarter.

  • Courage
    Choosing the harder right over the easier wrong.
    Ex: Giving honest feedback.

  • Creativity
    Making original things or solutions.
    Ex: Weekend studio or side project.

  • Curiosity
    Following questions wherever they lead.
    Ex: Reading widely outside your field.

  • Discipline
    Doing the work consistently, not just when motivated.
    Ex: 30-minute daily study block.

  • Empathy
    Understanding others’ perspectives and emotions.
    Ex: Mirroring and clarifying before debating.

  • Equality
    Fair treatment and opportunities for all.
    Ex: Inclusive hiring practices.

  • Excellence
    Holding a high standard for outcomes.
    Ex: Shipping polished work, not just “done.”

  • Fairness
    Rules and rewards applied without favoritism.
    Ex: Transparent team norms.

  • Family
    Prioritizing close relationships and care.
    Ex: Tech-free dinners.

  • Freedom
    The capacity to act without undue constraint.
    Ex: Remote-first lifestyle.

  • Friendship
    Investing in trusted, reciprocal bonds.
    Ex: Monthly catch-ups.

  • Fun
    Lightness and play as part of life.
    Ex: Weekly game night.

  • Generosity
    Sharing time, knowledge, or resources.
    Ex: Open-sourcing a helpful template.

  • Gratitude
    Noticing and appreciating the good.
    Ex: Daily two-line gratitude note.

  • Growth
    Continuous personal development.
    Ex: Quarterly learning goals.

  • Health
    Physical and mental well-being.
    Ex: Sleep and steps targets.

  • Honesty
    Truthful words and actions.
    Ex: Owning a mistake fast.

  • Humility
    Accurate self-view; openness to being wrong.
    Ex: Asking for help early.

  • Impact
    Measurable positive change.
    Ex: Projects with clear outcomes for others.

  • Independence
    Self-reliance in decisions and income.
    Ex: Building multiple income streams.

  • Integrity
    Doing the right thing when no one is looking.
    Ex: Keeping promises to yourself.

  • Joy
    Prioritizing moments that spark delight.
    Ex: Morning music ritual.

  • Justice
    Acting against harm or exploitation.
    Ex: Speaking up about bias.

  • Kindness
    Choosing to be helpful and gentle.
    Ex: Small daily favors.

  • Learning
    Seeking knowledge and skill.
    Ex: One course per quarter.

  • Loyalty
    Standing by people and commitments.
    Ex: Showing up when it’s hard.

  • Mastery
    Deep expertise and craft.
    Ex: Deliberate practice with metrics.

  • Open-mindedness
    Suspending certainty; testing ideas.
    Ex: Steel-manning opposing views.

  • Order
    Structure and predictability.
    Ex: Clean systems, tidy spaces.

  • Peace
    Calm and stability in daily life.
    Ex: Morning meditation.

  • Perseverance
    Sticking with it through difficulty.
    Ex: Finishing the portfolio even after rejections.

  • Presence
    Being fully engaged in the moment.
    Ex: Phone-off time blocks.

  • Professionalism
    Reliable, respectful standards at work/school.
    Ex: On-time, prepared.

  • Respect
    Valuing others’ dignity and boundaries.
    Ex: No interruptions in meetings.

  • Responsibility
    Owning outcomes and consequences.
    Ex: Following through without excuses.

  • Security
    Safety and financial stability.
    Ex: 3–6 months’ emergency fund.

  • Simplicity
    Choosing the essential; avoiding excess.
    Ex: Minimalist calendar.

  • Spirituality
    Connection to the transcendent or sacred.
    Ex: Weekly service or practice.

  • Sustainability
    Stewardship of resources over time.
    Ex: Repair before replace.

  • Temperance
    Moderation and self-control.
    Ex: Boundaries on screen time.

  • Trust
    Reliability and faith in relationships.
    Ex: Transparent status updates.

  • Wisdom
    Integrating knowledge with judgment.
    Ex: Reflection before action.

  • Zeal
    Energetic pursuit of meaningful aims.
    Ex: Showing up early and prepared.

Next step: Make Values Real

  • Choose one value and schedule one action this week.

  • Re-evaluate monthly: Are your calendar blocks reflecting your top values?

FAQ

  • How many values should I pick? 5–7 keeps decisions clear.

  • Can values change? They evolve with life stages; review quarterly.

  • Values vs personality? Personality = tendencies; values = priorities.