What are the best techniques for identifying core values and beliefs?

1 Why identify core values and beliefs?

Before you dive into the techniques, you might wonder why identifying core values and beliefs is important. The answer is simple: because they matter. Your core values and beliefs are the essence of who you are, what you stand for, and what you want to achieve. They are the guiding principles that help you navigate through life's challenges and opportunities. They also affect how you interact with others, how you express yourself, and how you cope with stress and emotions. By identifying your core values and beliefs, you can gain clarity, confidence, and direction in your personal and professional life. You can also identify any gaps, conflicts, or misalignments between your values and beliefs and your current reality, and work on resolving them.

2 How to identify core values and beliefs?

Identifying core values and beliefs can be done in several ways, including the Wheel of Life, the Values List, and the Beliefs Audit. The Wheel of Life is a tool that helps assess different areas of life, such as career and health, and identify which areas are aligned or misaligned with core values. The Values List is a technique that involves listing important values, such as honesty and creativity, then prioritizing and comparing them to narrow down the list. Finally, the Beliefs Audit helps examine beliefs and how they affect behavior. It can help identify limiting beliefs, such as "I'm not good enough", then challenge them with evidence and alternative perspectives. It can also help identify empowering beliefs, such as "I'm capable", and reinforce them with examples and feedback. As a coach or mentor, you can use these techniques for yourself or your clients for self-reflection and growth.

3 How to apply core values and beliefs?

Once your client has identified their core values and beliefs, you can use them as a foundation for your coaching or mentoring process. You can help your client align their goals with their core values and beliefs, and check their progress and satisfaction regularly. Additionally, you can support them in tapping into their core values and beliefs when they face challenges, setbacks, or doubts, and remind them of their purpose and vision. Moreover, you can help your client measure their performance and results based on their core values and beliefs, and celebrate their achievements and learning. Furthermore, you can help your client identify any barriers or gaps that prevent them from living their core values and beliefs, and support them in taking action and making changes. Identifying your core values and beliefs is a continuous journey of self-discovery and development; as a coach or mentor, you can use these techniques to help your clients uncover theirs to achieve more fulfillment, happiness, and success.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?