💡The ultimate core values list: 360 core value examples

Struggling to make big decisions?

Feeling stuck, like something’s missing, but not sure what?

It all comes down to your core values.

When you know exactly what you stand for, everything gets easier:

• You stop second-guessing yourself.
• You stay focused on what truly matters.
• You make faster, better decisions.

That’s why I created this ultimate core values list to help you get clear on your values and build a life that aligns with them.

Inside, you’ll find 360 common personal values, organized into key categories like integrity, discipline, growth, success, and more.

I’ll also share my own core values — the common personal values that define how I live and show up in my life.

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to define your own values and start living with purpose.

Let’s dive in.

💡 What are core values?

Core values are the fundamental principles that shape your decisions, priorities, and behavior.

They influence:

• What you say yes or no to
• Where you focus your time and energy
• How you respond to challenges

Think of them as your internal compass, keeping you aligned with what truly matters.

When you know your values, everything becomes clearer.

• No more second-guessing.
• No more chasing things that don’t fulfill you.

• You make better decisions.
• You live with more purpose and confidence.

If you don’t define your personal values, the world will do it for you.

🎯 Why are core values important?

Most people never take the time to define their core values — but they impact every decision you make.

Without clear values, it’s easy to:

• Feel stuck or directionless
• Struggle with decision-making
• Prioritize the wrong things

When you know exactly what matters to you, life becomes more focused and intentional.

• You make faster, better decisions.
• You stay disciplined when things get hard.
• You build a life that actually aligns with what you want.

Your values influence every aspect of your life, whether you define them or not.

The real question is: Are you choosing your values, or letting the world choose for you?

Now, let’s dive into the ultimate core values list so you can define what truly matters.

🧩 How many values should you have on your core value list?

It’s tempting to list dozens of values, but having too many can actually make decision-making harder.

The sweet spot? 5 to 10 core values.

💡 Why?

• Too few, and you don’t have enough depth.
• Too many, and they lose meaning.
• 5 to 10 values give you clarity without overwhelm.

Your core values should be non-negotiable — the principles that truly define how you live, work, and make decisions.

You can still appreciate other values, but your core values are the ones that guide you daily.

Next, let’s break down how to determine your core values.

🛠️ How to determine your core values

Defining your core values isn’t about picking words that sound good. It’s about identifying the principles that actually guide your decisions, actions, and mindset.

Here’s a simple process to figure out what matters most:

1. Reflect on your best & worst decisions

Think about a time when you made a decision you’re truly proud of.

What value guided that choice?

Now, think about a decision you regret.

What value did you ignore?

Patterns will start to emerge.

2. Identify what drives you daily

Ask yourself:

• What do I prioritize no matter what?
• What makes me feel the most fulfilled?
• What frustrates me when others don’t follow it?

The things you naturally focus on are often tied to your core values.

3. Learn from people you admire

Who inspires you the most?

What values do they embody that resonate with you?

Your mentors, role models, and even books that shaped you can offer clues.

4. Look at your biggest challenges

Your struggles often reveal what matters most.

If you always get frustrated when people lack integrity, then honesty and trust may be core values for you.

5. Narrow it down to 5-10 non-negotiables

Now, review everything and filter it down to the values that define you the most.

Ask yourself:

• Is this truly important to me?
• Would I stand by this value no matter what?
• Does this reflect how I actually live (or want to live)?

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t pick values just because they sound good. Choose ones that actually drive your actions.

Now that you have a clear process, let’s go deeper.

Bonus: use AI to clarify your core values

If you’re struggling to define your core values, ChatGPT can help.

Here’s a powerful AI-driven exercise designed to help creators and entrepreneurs to come up with their true values, challenge their thinking, and refine their list.

🧠 Step 1: identifying your core values

Copy and paste this prompt into ChatGPT:

“I want to define my core values as a [creator/entrepreneur]. Ask me deep, thought-provoking questions to uncover what truly matters to me in business and life. Challenge me with real-life scenarios where I have to choose between different values. Then, summarize my top 5-10 values based on my answers.”

⚖️ Step 2: testing your values in real life

Once you have a list of values, use this prompt to refine them further:

“Now that I have my core values, I want to make sure they truly align with how I live and work. Give me three real-world situations where I have to make a tough decision. Based on my answers, refine my list and remove any values that are not actually guiding my actions.”

🚀 Step 3: making values actionable

To make sure your values aren’t just words, but actually drive your daily life, use this:

“Now that I have a final list of core values, help me turn them into guiding principles. For each value, create a short statement that defines how I will apply it in my business and personal life. Then, suggest one daily habit or action that reinforces each value.”

🔍 How to choose the right values for you

Not all values carry the same weight in your life. Some might sound good on paper but don’t actually shape your decisions or drive your actions.

Here’s how to filter your values and make sure you’re choosing the ones that truly define you:

1. Reflect on your vision & purpose

Ask yourself:

• What kind of person do I want to become?
• What impact do I want to have on the world?
• What are the non-negotiables I refuse to compromise on?

Your core values should align with your long-term mission, goals, and identity.

2. Test your values in real-life scenarios

A core value should hold strong even under pressure.

Ask yourself:

• Would I stand by this value even if it cost me money, time, or opportunities?
• Can I think of a time I lived by this value when it was difficult?
• Do I actually act on this, or does it just sound good?

If a value only exists on paper but doesn’t influence your daily actions, it’s not really a core value.

3. Be authentic — not aspirational

It’s easy to choose values you admire instead of the ones you actually live by.

• If you say “creativity” is a value, but you never create, is it truly one of your core values?
• If you say “adventure” is a value, but you rarely take risks, is it really guiding your life?

💡 Your core values should reflect who you are — not just who you wish you were.

4. Keep it simple & actionable

Overcomplicating kills execution.

• Stick to 5-10 core values max.
• Make sure they are clear and easy to remember.
• Turn them into actionable principles — something you can live by daily.

5. Align your daily actions with your values

Values don’t matter if you don’t live by them.

• Do your daily habits reflect these values?
• Would people recognize these values in how you live your life?
• Are your decisions aligned with what you claim to value?

If you’re not acting on a value, it’s either not really a core value — or you need to make changes.

Core values list: 360 core value examples

Defining your core values is one of the most important steps toward personal growth, success, and fulfillment.

Your values shape your decisions, guide your actions, and influence how you interact with the world.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of over 360 core values, broken down into two formats:

• Alphabetical List – Quickly scan and find values that resonate with you.
• Categorized List – Organized by themes like Integrity, Growth, and Discipline to help you reflect on what truly matters.

📜 Ultimate core values list (A-Z)

Here’s a broad list of core values in alphabetical order. Take your time and see which ones stand out to you.

Core Values A – F	Core Values A – P	Core Values P – Z
Acceptance	Fidelity	Prudence
Accomplishment	Fierce Independence	Purpose
Accountability	Flexibility	Quality
Accuracy	Focus	Radical Ownership
Achievement	Foresight	Realism
Adaptability	Forgiveness	Reason
Adaptability in Chaos	Fortitude	Recognition
Adventurous	Freedom	Recreation
Alertness	Friendship	Reflectiveness
Altruism	Fun	Reinvention
Ambition	Gallantry	Reliability
Amusement	Generational Wealth	Resilience
Assertiveness	Generosity	Resourcefulness
Attentive	Genius	Respect
Authenticity	Gentleness	Responsibility
Autonomy	Giving	Restraint
Awakening	Goodness	Results-Oriented
Awareness	Grace	Reverence
Balance	Gratitude	Rigor
Balanced Living	Greatness	Risk-Taking
Beauty	Grit	Sacrifice
Boldness	Growth	Satisfaction
Boundless Curiosity	Growth Mindset	Scholarly Ambition
Bravery	Happiness	Security
Brilliance	Hard Work	Seeking Truth
Calm	Harmony	Self-Awareness
Candor	Health	Self-Care
Capable	Helpfulness	Self-Control
Careful	Heroism	Self-Discipline
Carefulness	High Standards	Self-Expression
Certainty	Holistic Success	Self-Improvement
Challenge	Honesty	Self-Motivation
Challenging Yourself	Honor	Self-Reliance
Challenging the Status Quo	Hope	Self-Respect
Charisma	Humility	Self-Sufficiency
Charity	Humor	Selflessness
Clarity	Imagination	Sensitivity
Cleanliness	Improvement	Serenity
Clear	Inclusivity	Servant Leadership
Clever	Independence	Service
Cleverness	Individuality	Sharing
Collaboration	Industriousness	Significance
Comfort	Influence	Silence
Commitment	Ingenuity	Simplicity
Commitment to Growth	Initiative	Simplified Living
Common Sense	Inner Strength	Sincerity
Communication	Innovation	Skill
Community	Innovative Thinking	Smart
Compassion	Inquisitiveness	Solitude
Compassionate Leadership	Insightfulness	Sound Decision Making
Competence	Inspiration	Spirituality
Competitiveness	Integrity	Spontaneity
Composure	Intelligence	Stability
Concentration	Intensity	Status
Confidence	Introspection	Stewardship
Confidence in Action	Intuition	Strategic Thinking
Connection	Inventiveness	Strength
Conscientiousness	Joy	Structure
Consciousness	Justice	Success
Consistency	Justice-Seeking	Support
Contentment	Kindness	Surprise
Contribution	Knowledge	Sustainability
Control	Lawfulness	Synergy
Conviction	Leadership	Tactfulness
Cooperation	Learning	Talent
Courage	Legacy	Teamwork
Courtesy	Liberty	Temperance
Creation	Lifestyle Design	Tenacity
Creativity	Living with Purpose	Thankfulness
Credibility	Logic	Thoroughness
Cultivating Resilience	Longevity	Thoughtfulness
Curiosity	Love	Timeliness
Daily Optimization	Loyalty	Tolerance
Daring	Mastering Time	Toughness
Decisiveness	Mastery	Tradition
Decorum	Maturity	Trailblazing
Dedication	Maximizing Potential	Tranquility
Deep Work	Meaning	Transparency
Dependability	Mental Toughness	Trust
Determination	Mind Expansion	Trustworthiness
Development	Mindfulness	Truth
Devotion	Moderation	Understanding
Dignity	Modesty	Uniqueness
Diligence	Motivation	Unity
Diplomacy	Open-mindedness	Unstoppable Energy
Discipline	Openness	Unwavering Commitment
Discovery	Optimism	Valor
Discreetness	Order	Variety
Drive	Organization	Versatility
Effectiveness	Original Thinking	Victory
Efficiency	Originality	Vigor
Elevating Others	Passion	Virtue
Empathy	Patience	Vision
Empowering Others	Patriotism	Vital Contribution
Empowerment	Peace	Vitality
Encouragement	Peace-seeking	Volunteerism
Endurance	Peak Performance	Value-Driven
Energy	Perception	Valuing Relationships
Enjoyment	Performance	Veracity (Truthfulness)
Enlightenment	Perseverance	Virtuoso (Striving for Mastery)
Enthusiasm	Persistence	Vibrancy
Epic Discipline	Personal Excellence	Warrior Mindset
Equality	Personal Development	Wealth
Ethical	Persuasiveness	Wealth Consciousness
Ethical Behavior	Pioneering	Welcoming
Excellence	Playfulness	Wholeness
Experience	Poise	Wholeheartedness
Exploration	Potential	Willpower
Expressiveness	Power	Willingness
Exuberance	Practicality	Winning Mentality
Fair-mindedness	Precision	Wisdom
Fairness	Precision in Execution	Wisdom-Seeking
Faith	Preparedness	Wonder
Family	Presence	Work Excellence
Famous	Proactivity	Work Ethic
Fearless	Problem-Solving	Work-Life Balance
Fearless Execution	Productivity	Worldliness
Fearlessness	Professionalism	Worthiness
Feelings	Proficiency	Zeal
Ferocity	Prosperity	Zest for Life

🎯 Categorized core values list

With 360 core value examples, it can be overwhelming to sort through them all.

That’s why I’ve broken them down into clear, practical categories that make it easier to find the common personal values that matter most to you.

Whether you prioritize discipline, creativity, growth, or relationships, this list will help you define what truly drives you.

Here’s how they’re organized:

• 🛡️ Integrity & Ethics – Honesty, responsibility, and doing the right thing.
• 💖 Emotions & Relationships – Compassion, kindness, and meaningful connections.
• 🚀 Achievement & Growth – Success, ambition, and continuous improvement.
• 🧠 Wisdom & Intelligence – Knowledge, learning, and making smart decisions.
• 🌀 Spirituality & Purpose – Meaning, inner peace, and connection to something greater.
• 🎨 Creativity & Innovation – Original thinking, imagination, and problem-solving.
• 🦅 Freedom & Independence – Self-reliance, autonomy, and personal choice.
• 🔥 Courage & Resilience – Strength, grit, and pushing through adversity.
• 📏 Discipline & Structure – Order, organization, and habits that create success.
• 😃 Happiness & Enjoyment – Fun, joy, and living life fully.
• 🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness & Presence – Awareness, balance, and clarity of thought.
• 💪 Health & Vitality – Energy, well-being, and taking care of your body.

Below, you’ll find the ultimate categorized core values list — each personal value placed exactly where it fits best. Use this to refine your own list and define what truly matters to you.

🛡️ Integrity & Ethics

Honesty, responsibility, and doing the right thing.

• Accountability – Taking full responsibility for your actions, decisions, and commitments.
• Authenticity – Staying true to who you are and what you believe in, regardless of external pressure.
• Candor – Being open, honest, and direct in communication.
• Credibility – Establishing trust through integrity and reliability.
• Conscientiousness – Acting with care, attention, and moral responsibility.
• Commitment – Staying loyal and dedicated to principles, people, and causes.

💖 Emotions & Relationships

Compassion, kindness, and meaningful connections.

• Altruism – Selflessly helping others without expecting anything in return.
• Attentive – Being fully present and engaged in conversations and relationships.
• Charisma – Inspiring and attracting others with a strong presence.
• Compassion – Showing empathy and concern for others.
• Compassionate Leadership – Leading with kindness and emotional intelligence.
• Connection – Forming meaningful relationships and bonds with others.
• Community – Valuing collective well-being and contributing to society.
• Cooperation – Working effectively with others towards common goals.
• Courtesy – Demonstrating politeness, respect, and consideration.

🚀 Achievement & Growth

Success, ambition, and continuous improvement.

• Achievement – Setting, striving for, and reaching meaningful goals.
• Accomplishment – The satisfaction of achieving goals and completing meaningful tasks.
• Ambition – The strong desire to grow, succeed, and accomplish great things.
• Challenge – Embracing difficulties to grow and push past limits.
• Challenging Yourself – Striving for self-improvement through new experiences.
  Challenging the Status Quo – Questioning norms and driving meaningful change.
• Competitiveness – Thriving in competition and using it as a motivator.
• Confidence – Believing in your abilities, skills, and decisions.
• Confidence in Action – Taking bold steps based on trust in yourself.
• Control – Mastering personal actions, emotions, and decisions.
• Conviction – Acting with strong belief and determination in your values.
• Commitment to Growth – Continuously seeking self-improvement and development.

🧠 Wisdom & Intelligence

Knowledge, learning, and making smart decisions.

• Acceptance – Embracing reality as it is, without resistance or unnecessary judgment.
• Awakening – Developing deeper self-awareness and understanding of life.
• Awareness – Recognizing and understanding your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.
• Accuracy – Ensuring precision and correctness in thinking, decisions, and actions.
• Boundless Curiosity – A deep, insatiable drive to explore and understand the world.
• Common Sense – Practical thinking and sound judgment in everyday life.
• Concentration – Directing focus toward tasks and goals with precision.
• Curiosity – A deep desire to explore, question, and learn continuously.

🌀 Spirituality & Purpose

Meaning, inner peace, and connection to something greater.

• Autonomy – The ability to make decisions and live life independently on your terms.

🎨 Creativity & Innovation

Original thinking, imagination, and problem-solving.

• Adaptability – Adjusting to new situations, challenges, and opportunities with ease.
• Adaptability in Chaos – Thriving in uncertainty and finding innovative solutions.
• Beauty – Appreciating and creating harmony, aesthetics, and meaningful design.
• Brilliance – Exceptional intelligence, creativity, or talent that stands out.
• Creation – Bringing ideas, projects, and concepts to life.
• Creativity – Generating unique, innovative, and imaginative ideas.
• Collaboration – Working together with others to create and innovate.
• Cleverness – Applying intelligence in resourceful and inventive ways.

🦅 Freedom & Independence

Self-reliance, autonomy, and personal choice.

• Adventurous – Seeking new experiences and stepping outside your comfort zone.

🔥 Courage & Resilience

Strength, grit, and pushing through adversity.

• Alertness – Staying sharp, aware, and prepared for challenges.
• Assertiveness – Expressing your thoughts, needs, and boundaries with confidence.
• Boldness – Taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone with confidence.
• Bravery – Facing fear, challenges, and adversity with courage.

📏 Discipline & Structure

Order, organization, and habits that create success.

• Capable – Having the ability, knowledge, and skills to succeed.
• Careful – Acting with caution and thoughtfulness.
• Carefulness – Paying close attention to details and avoiding mistakes.
• Certainty – Having confidence in your decisions and beliefs.
• Cleanliness – Maintaining order, hygiene, and structure in life.
• Clear – Communicating and thinking with precision and focus.

😃 Happiness & Enjoyment

Fun, joy, and living life fully.

• Amusement – Finding joy, humor, and lightheartedness in everyday life.

🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness & Presence

Awareness, balance, and clarity of thought.

• Balance – Maintaining stability in all aspects of life, from work to relationships.
• Balanced Living – Creating a lifestyle that nurtures mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Calm – Maintaining inner peace and composure in all situations.
• Clarity – Seeing situations, decisions, and goals with sharp focus.
• Consciousness – Being fully aware of yourself, your surroundings, and your actions.
• Consistency – Staying steady and reliable in thoughts, actions, and commitments.
• Contentment – Feeling fulfilled and at peace with what you have.
• Composure – Remaining calm and collected under pressure.

💪 Health & Vitality

Energy, well-being, and taking care of your body.

The 10 personal core values I live by

I don’t leave success to chance. Everything I do in business and life — how I work, how I grow, and how I live — is shaped by these core values. They guide my decisions, keep me grounded, and push me to keep evolving.

If you resonate with these, we’re probably on the same path.

1. Discipline & consistency 💪

I don’t rely on motivation. I rely on discipline.

Every big goal I’ve achieved came from showing up daily, putting in the reps, and staying consistent even when I didn’t feel like it.

I believe discipline is the foundation of success. Without it, everything else falls apart.

2. Excellence & mastery 🎯

I set high standards for myself — not because I want perfection, but because I believe in growth.

I don’t believe in doing things halfway. Whether it’s business, fitness, or personal development, I aim for constant improvement.

I don’t compare myself to others — I compare myself to who I was yesterday.

3. Resilience & adaptability 🌍

I don’t let challenges stop me — I let them shape me.

Every setback has been a lesson. Every unexpected turn has forced me to grow.

I embrace change, knowing that resilience and adaptability are what keep me moving forward.

Life will test you, but it’s how you respond that defines you.

4. Honesty & authenticity 🛡️

I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not.

I share the wins, but I also share the struggles. I believe authenticity creates trust, and trust is everything.

Whether in business, content, or relationships, I value honesty over trying to impress people.

5. Freedom & independence 🌍

I design my life on my terms.

I value the ability to work from anywhere, set my own schedule, and live without restrictions.

Freedom isn’t about escaping work — it’s about building something that gives you control over your time and energy.

6. Impact & service ✨

Success is meaningless if I’m not helping others grow.

I believe in sharing knowledge, elevating others, and creating things that have a real impact.

Whether through content, business, or conversations, I want to inspire and equip people to build something great for themselves.

7. Health & longevity 🌿

If I don’t take care of my health, nothing else matters.

I optimize for longevity because success is a marathon, not a sprint.

Fitness, nutrition, and biohacking aren’t just hobbies for me — they’re essential and part of who I am. High performance starts with taking care of your body and mind.

8. Self-reliance & ownership 🏆

I take full responsibility for my life.

I don’t blame circumstances, people, or luck. If something isn’t working, I fix it.

I believe in radical ownership because the moment I take full control of my actions, mindset, and outcomes, I win.

9. Deep work & relentless focus 🔥

Distraction kills progress.

I protect my time and energy, eliminating anything that doesn’t align with my goals.

Success comes from going deep, staying focused, and cutting out the noise. Most people stay busy. I stay effective.

10. Strategic risk-taking 🚀

Playing it safe never changed anything.

I’ve built my life by taking calculated risks — investing in myself, launching new ideas, and stepping outside my comfort zone.

The biggest risk isn’t failing — it’s staying the same.

Why these personal values matter to me

I didn’t randomly pick these personal values. They’ve been shaped by my experiences, challenges, and lessons learned over the years.

Every breakthrough I’ve had in business, health, and personal growth happened because I leaned into these principles.

They’ve kept me on track, helped me push through adversity, and made success inevitable.

These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re the foundation of how I live, work, and grow.

❓FAQs

You might be wondering how do these core values actually shape my business and lifestyle?

Below are some of the most common questions I get about what I stand for, how I work, and what these values mean in practice.

Conclusion

Most people go through life without ever defining their core values — and it shows.

They chase things that don’t matter.

They struggle with decisions.

They feel lost, even when they’re “successful.”

But when you know exactly what you stand for, everything changes.

• You make faster, better decisions.
• You stop wasting time on things that don’t align with your values.
• You create a life that actually fulfills you.

Now that you’ve seen this core values list, it’s time to define your own.

Take a few minutes.

Write down the values that truly matter to you.

Then start living by them — every single day.

The clearer you are on your own personal values, the easier life becomes.

What are your top 5 core values? Let me know in the comments. 👇