Coach Yourself!

5Core Values Framework: Anchor Your Journey

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.

—Aristotle

Defining Your Values Is the First Step

Values are our North Star. Your core values are the principles or standards of behavior that are formed by life experiences and codes of conduct, implicitly and explicitly, from our family, culture, religion, life experiences, and own inner work. When we remember them, they keep us honest and focused. They anchor us to what matters because people are happiest when what they are doing on the outside is congruent with their values on the inside.

• What is important to me now?
• How do my values inform my purpose?
• How am I incorporating these values through my work and my relationships?

Defining our values helps us prioritize our goals. I launch every coaching engagement with a values exercise. It's a reminder of what's important to you and where we are starting. If you are contemplating career transition, it is a critical first step in coaching. How can you decide about your next career move if you aren't clear about your values? Values help us define our priorities.

For instance, Jenny was a client who had rowed crew in college, and that sense of camaraderie stayed with her. When she did this values exercise, it helped guide her as she looked for her next role. She wanted to work closely with others, and not work for long stretches alone. She was ultimately in the fortunate position of having two job opportunities to choose between, ...