🚀 Defining Your Core Values: The Key to Career Fulfillment
May 01, 2025Many people rush into careers because of external influences—family expectations, societal norms, or simply because a job is in demand.
I did the same. I studied accounting and applied for internships because it felt like the “safe” and financially stable option.
My immigrant parents encouraged it, and I never paused to ask myself: “Is this for me?” or “Does this align with the life I actually want?”
Taking a step back and understanding your values allows you to define what truly matters to you—without pressure from external expectations.
Being authentic to your values liberates you from societal judgments, external pressures, and even your own inner critic.
💡 Values serve as a filter for what you will say yes to and what you will say no to in life.
🧭 Your values serve as a compass, guiding your decisions, career choices, and actions toward fulfillment.
Identifying your core values is a crucial step in designing a career that excites you.
Clear values will help you:
👉🏽 Create a career vision that aligns with what brings you joy.
👉🏽 Identify job roles that energize you instead of draining you.
👉🏽 Choose between multiple career paths with confidence.
👉🏽 Feel fulfilled at work because it connects to your deeper purpose.
💡 Your values at work may differ from your values in life—and that’s okay! Some people prioritize creativity in their careers, while others fulfill their creativity through hobbies and focus on stability at work.
For example:
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A product designer might need a creative career to feel fulfilled.
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A software engineer might prefer stability at work but express creativity through writing or music outside of work.
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A teacher passionate about music might start by teaching while pursuing music as a side gig before fully transitioning into a career as a musician.
Values evolve over time. I recommend doing these exercises annually to check in with yourself and reassess your career design.
📝 Exercises: Identifying Your Core Values
Q1 - Identifying Your Peak Experiences
If you need help identifying your values, start by reflecting on the following:
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What were some of the peak moments in your life? (Times when you felt the most alive, fulfilled, or completely yourself?)
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Tell me about a time when you were happiest. What were you doing? Who were you with?
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What does your ideal week or month look like?
💡 Example: My Own Peak Experiences
🔹 When my TN visa to the U.S. was delayed, I turned it into an opportunity to solo travel through South America for four months on a tight budget. I embraced uncertainty and made a dream happen instead of waiting for external circumstances to align.
🔹 For seven years, I set my sights on moving to San Francisco. I built a network, started a student conference, and kept working toward my goal until I was sponsored by Meta to relocate. I played the long game and stayed adaptable along the way.
🔹 Instead of taking a stable VC job, I took a chance on a startup with a friend. Over 2.5 years, we built it into a $1M ARR company, giving me hands-on experience in product development, marketing, and design.
Values Reflected in These Experiences:
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Achievement
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Independence
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Adventure
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Resourcefulness
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Optimism
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Perseverance
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Risk-taking
Q2 - Choosing Your Top 5 Core Values
Pick up to 5 core values from the list below.
If needed, add more that resonates with you.
My Core Values:
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Core Values List (Samples)
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Achievement – Striving for personal and professional success
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Authenticity – Staying true to yourself and your beliefs
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Creativity – Expressing yourself through innovation or artistry
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Freedom – Having the ability to choose your own path
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Independence – Being self-sufficient and self-reliant
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Learning – Continuously growing and gaining knowledge
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Stability – Feeling secure in your career and finances
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Impact – Making a difference in the lives of others
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Adventure – Seeking new experiences and challenges
Q3 - Applying Your Values in Life & Work
Go deeper by defining what each value means to you and how you will live by it in your career and life.
| Value | In Life | At Work |
|---|---|---|
| Creativity | I host live music nights in my backyard. | I need a role where I can innovate and solve problems creatively. |
| Independence | I want location and financial freedom. | I seek work that allows flexibility and self-direction. |
| Energy | I surround myself with people and activities that energize me. | I say no to toxic work environments that drain me. |
Q4 - Ranking & Prioritizing Your Values
Your priorities at work may differ from your personal life. Rank them separately.
📌 My Top 5 Life Values (Ranked):
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📌 My Top 5 Career Values (Ranked):
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Q5 - Assessing Alignment
How well are you currently living by your values in both your personal and professional life?
| Value | (✔) Aligned | (❌) Not Aligned |
| Creativity | I express creativity through personal projects. | My job lacks room for creative problem-solving. |
| Achievement | I feel accomplished in my personal life. | I lack a sense of fulfillment in my work. |
| Family | I prioritize quality time with friends and a partner. | My job’s inflexible schedule prevents frequent family visits. |
Q6 - Applying Your Values to Your Job Search
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Which values are you okay NOT living by at work?
💡 Example: “I don’t need creativity at work because I express it through music outside of work.” -
Which values MUST be present in your career? How can you start aligning your job with them?
💡 Example: “Freedom and flexibility are crucial. I will prioritize remote jobs and consider freelancing.”
Your goal isn’t just to land any job—it’s to find one that aligns with your values and brings you joy. These exercises will help you define what truly matters so you can make career decisions with clarity and confidence. 🚀
Welcome to Ambition Redesigned! Where purpose meets progress.
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