Core Values Explorer
DISCOVER · PRIORITISE · ALIGN
Core Values Explorer
Your values are the things that matter deeply to you and help you decide what feels right for your life. This explorer will help you choose the values that matter most right now and see whether your everyday life reflects them.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Give yourself a moment to settle
You do not need to feel perfectly calm. You will usually get a clearer result if you are not rushing or already overwhelmed. If you can, make a cup of tea, get comfortable, notice the room around you and take a few slow breaths.
Choose what feels true for you — not what you think you should value.
STEP 1
What matters to you?
Choose up to twelve. Do not overthink it. Pick the words that feel important or especially true for you.
STEP 2
What does each value mean to you?
The same word can mean different things to different people. Add a short explanation in your own words.
STEP 3
Choose your top five
From your list, choose the five that matter most to you right now.
STEP 4
How much are you living these values?
For each value, choose a number from 0 to 10. A higher number means it is showing up more strongly in your life.
STEP 5
Where is there a gap?
Think about where your life matches what matters to you — and where it does not.
YOUR CORE VALUES REFLECTION
What matters most to you right now
Your guiding values
MOST PRESENT
NEEDS MORE ATTENTION
YOUR PERSONAL DEFINITIONS
What these values mean to you
YOUR REFLECTION
What matches, what does not, and what comes next
ONE SMALL NEXT STEP
LEARN THE PROPER TERMS
Words you may hear
We use everyday language first. These are some of the proper terms you may see in books, coaching or therapy.
Core values: the principles or qualities that feel important and help guide your choices.
Values alignment: when your choices and everyday life reflect what matters to you.
Values conflict: when two important values pull you in different directions.
Misalignment: when the way you are living does not match something you say or feel is important to you.
Intrinsic values: things that matter because they feel meaningful to you, rather than mainly because of approval, status or reward.
Values-based action: a practical choice that moves you closer to living in line with a value.
KEEP THIS FOR LATER
Save this reflection
Save a copy in this browser so it can be used with your Stardust Self dashboard.
This tool supports personal reflection and self-awareness. It does not provide medical, psychological, legal, financial or professional advice.