Law 34 | Knowing Who You Are: Why Using a 'Values List' to Identify Your Values Is the Best Approach

Thank you for always reading.

"I'm busy every day, but what am I working so hard for?" "I'm always just going along with others, and I've lost sight of who I really am." ... If you feel that way right now, this article will surely be helpful to you.

This is because what I am about to talk about is very important for obtaining a compass for your life when you feel lost.

So, I have a question for you.

"Who are you?"

If asked this, how would you answer?

Most people might think, "That's a sudden question..." "What do you mean by 'who are you'?" or "I can't think of an answer."

That is understandable. This question is a little different from "What kind of person are you?"

"What kind of person" is about personality and roles. But "who you are" is a deeper question that asks about the 'axis' or 'values' of what you have cherished in your life.

This is because "who you are" is not determined by titles or personality.

Here is one way to take the first step toward knowing yourself and discovering 'who you are.'

1. Articulate your 'values'

—Knowing your core

To know who you are, the first thing you should face is your values.

Values are your internal priorities, such as "things I will never compromise on" or "things that give my life meaning."

Because they are formed by your individual background—such as your upbringing, experiences, culture, and beliefs—values vary widely from person to person. For example:

• In work: Some people prioritize 'salary,' while others prioritize 'job satisfaction' or 'contributing to society.'

• In life: Some people prioritize 'family' above all else, while others prioritize 'self-growth.'

Therefore, knowing your own values is like obtaining a compass for living a fulfilling life based on your own terms.

Now, I will introduce how to actually find your values. First, go to the bottom of this article and download the values list.

[Practical Method]

Step 1 | Choose from the 80-item values list

From the 80 values listed below,
intuitively choose 10, and then narrow them down to 5.

You don't need to think too deeply about it.
A feeling of 'I'm just drawn to this' is enough.

Your 'core' lies here.

Values List (80 items)

1. Acceptance: Accepting yourself and others as they are

2. Self-expression: Honestly conveying your thoughts and feelings

3. Integrity: Being honest without lies or deception

4. Freedom: Being able to choose for yourself without restrictions

5. Independence: Being able to make decisions without relying on others

6. Growth: Continuing to learn and striving to become better

I have prepared an 80-item values worksheet like the one above. It is free, so please download it from below and use it for yourself.

Page 1: 80-item values list

Page 2: Categorization and summary

The second page is a workspace for further exploring the values you have chosen.

[Explanation and Usage Instructions]

Step 2 | Look at the big picture (categories)

Try classifying the 'values that interest you' (about 5 to 10) chosen from the first page's list into the 8 categories on the second page.

• Freedom/Self-actualization (e.g., independence, challenge, creativity)

• Stability and Security (e.g., health, order, planning)

• Relationships and Love (e.g., family, friendship, trust)

• Sociality and Contribution (e.g., justice, responsibility, service)

• Spirituality and Inner Self (e.g., introspection, gratitude, inner peace)

• Fun and Sensation (e.g., excitement, inspiration, beauty)

• Work and Achievement (e.g., results, professionalism, efficiency)

• Individuality and Way of Being (e.g., honesty, strength, self-worth)

[Key Point!]
Which broad category had the most checkmarks? For example, if you focused on "Relationships and Love," then "connection" might be your life's top priority right now. Conversely, if they are scattered, you might be in a phase seeking multifaceted balance.

Finally, based on that, try writing down the ultimate five for your current self in the blank space at the bottom. That will become your "unwavering axis" for now.

In conclusion

Your true self is
a state of being natural, liberated from the expectations and vanity of others, and living honestly according to your own emotions and
values.

Knowing the values, definitions, and priorities within yourself is
a step toward knowing who you are.

And it is also a step toward meeting your true self.
Please take the time to confirm for yourself what you want to cherish as you live
and what you are unwilling to compromise on.