
List of values – The Simpler Life
In today’s fast-paced world, where it feels like we’re constantly juggling endless to-do lists, understanding your personal list of values can be a transformative key to living a simpler and more meaningful life. At The Simpler Life, we believe that identifying and embracing your values isn’t just a buzzword created by James Clear for his brilliant bestseller Atomic Habits, but a cornerstone of intentional living. Below you will find our list of personal values.
What are personal values?
Your list of values are the guiding principles that shape your decisions, behaviours, and ultimately, your life. Think of them as your internal compass—those core values are the beliefs that reflect who you are at your very essence. They’re unique to you and stem from your upbringing, experiences, and aspirations. Common personal values might include honesty, kindness, growth, family, or creativity. Whatever your key list of values are, they act as a filter for what truly matters in your life.
Why is it important to write a personal list of values?
Without a clear understanding of your personal list of values, life can feel chaotic, like a ship lost at sea. When you’re unsure of what’s important, you’re more likely to say “yes” to things that don’t align with your priorities, leading to stress, overwhelm, and dissatisfaction. By contrast, knowing your personal list of values allows you to:
- Make decisions with confidence: When faced with tough choices, your list of values provides clarity. For example, if family is a top value, you’ll prioritise time with loved ones over career demands.
- Live authentically: When your actions align with your personal values, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled and less likely to experience burnout or resentment.
- Simplify your life: Knowing what’s truly important helps you cut out the noise, focus on your priorities, and live with intention.
At The Simpler Life, we encourage our readers to regularly revisit their list of values to ensure they’re staying on track. Make sure you bookmark this page and check back in every quarter or so to make sure your list of values still represents who you want to be!
How to identify your key personal values
Discovering your personal list of values is a powerful first step toward a simpler, happier life. Here’s how to get started:
- Reflect on meaningful moments: Think back to times when you felt truly happy or proud. What values were being honoured in those moments? Was it connection, achievement, or freedom?
- Evaluate what bothers you: Often, frustration arises when our personal values are violated. For example, if dishonesty upsets you, integrity is likely a key value.
- Prioritise your list: Write down 10-15 values, then narrow them down to 3-5 that resonate the most. These are your core values—the ones that define who you are. Struggling to concentrate? Maybe try some ASMR in the background! Keep seeing that phrase everywhere and don’t know what that is yet? Find out the ASMR meaning.
- Test them in daily life: Once identified, let your values guide your decisions. Notice how honouring them affects your well-being.
Living a Values-Driven Life
Living according to your personal values can transform your mindset and help you focus on what truly matters. Here are three simple ways to incorporate your values into daily life:
- Set goals aligned with your values: Whether it’s spending more time with family or advancing your career, let your values dictate your priorities. This ensures that your goals are meaningful and sustainable.
- Practice daily intentions: At the start of each day, take a moment to reflect on how you can honor your values. For example, if creativity is a value, set aside time for a passion project.
- Reassess regularly: As life evolves, so do your values. Make it a habit to reflect and ensure your actions are still aligned with what matters most.
Top 30-40 personal values to consider
Here are some common personal values that can inspire you to reflect on what matters most in your life:
- Accountability
- Achievement
- Adventure
- Authenticity
- Balance
- Compassion
- Community
- Connection
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Determination
- Empathy
- Family
- Freedom
- Generosity
- Gratitude
- Growth
- Health
- Honesty
- Humility
- Integrity
- Joy
- Justice
- Kindness
- Knowledge
- Leadership
- Learning
- Love
- Mindfulness
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Positivity
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Security
- Simplicity
- Spirituality
- Sustainability
- Trust
- Wisdom
How values can simplify your life
At The Simpler Life, we’re all about cutting through the clutter to focus on what really matters. Knowing your personal values naturally simplifies your choices, helping you:
- Say “no” to commitments that drain you.
- Let go of material possessions that don’t align with your values.
- Prioritise relationships and activities that bring you joy. That could be visiting one of the best museums in London on a holiday or as simple as taking a stroll in your local park.
For example, if sustainability is a key value, you might focus on a 30 day declutter challenge choosing eco-friendly products—all of which align with living intentionally and simply.
Embrace the simplicity of a values-driven life
When you focus on your personal values, you’re not just living—you’re thriving. You’ll naturally feel more confident, less overwhelmed, and more in tune with what truly matters. At The Simpler Life, we believe that knowing and embracing your personal values is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward creating a life you love.
So, what are your key personal values? Take the time to identify them, reflect on their importance, and let them guide you toward a simpler, more fulfilling life.

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Kate
I agree, knowing your values is so important in guiding you, especially through difficult decisions. It can also help your work out why a situation feels incomfortable.