Making decisions is difficult.
Unfortunately, early on in adulthood, you’re forced to make a lot of them. Probably more so than in any other decade of your life.
Many of us are indecisive. We’re not quite sure what we want because we don’t have the life experience to know any better. So, when we’re presented with a decision, we often oscillate. We change our minds quickly.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Luckily, there is one simple action you can take today to rid yourself of the constant stress, worry, and fear that comes with making big decisions.
That action? Define your core values.
Your core values are the principles you care most about in this world. They’re the Sun, and all of your decisions are the planets rotating around them. Every decision you make, every move you take, should live in accordance with your core values.
If you’re presented with a job, a relationship, or any situation that doesn’t align with your core values, then you don’t move forward with it. It’s that simple.
Choose three to five core values. If you have too many core values, then you have none.
According to bestselling author James Clear, this is the list:
Authenticity
Achievement
Adventure
Authority
Autonomy
Balance
Beauty
Boldness
Compassion
Challenge
Citizenship
Community
Competency
Contribution
Creativity
Curiosity
Determination
Fairness
Faith
Fame
Friendships
Fun
Growth
Happiness
Honesty
Humor
Influence
Inner Harmony
Justice
Kindness
Knowledge
Leadership
Learning
Love
Loyalty
Meaningful Work
Openness
Optimism
Peace
Pleasure
Poise
Popularity
Recognition
Religion
Reputation
Respect
Responsibility
Security
Self-Respect
Service
Spirituality
Stability
Success
Status
Trustworthiness
Wealth
Wisdom
Go ahead. Choose yours.
Keep in mind, you can absolutely change your core values over time. If your values aren’t changing as you get older, then you’re really not growing.
Whatever your values are, repeat them to yourself every day. Write them down on your phone. Do anything you can to drill them into your head.
It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
(mine are in bold)