How do I know my values?

Understanding your internal drivers and values can help you find purpose in your work. If you struggle to connect with yourself outside of the expectations and concerns of others, it can be difficult to separate external pressures from your internal drivers. External pressures are things framed as what you “should” do, whereas internal values and drivers are what you would value even if not for other’s expectations or opinions.

For example, if someone values education and learning, they might seek continuous learning even without a reward for doing so, or if someone values helping others, they might offer help even without an equal exchange or reward for doing so. If you struggle to know your values from looking inward, you can reflect on people you admire or idolize and what qualities or traits they display.

Reflection Questions:

• Is there anyone you admire, and what do you admire about them and why?
• What value would that quality or trait you admired relate to?
• Are there times you’ve had that quality or trait?
• Are there times you have not displayed that quality or trait and felt shame?
• What would help you have more of that quality or trait you admire in someone else in your own life and what jobs can you explore this value further at?