Dear Younger Me: Never Underestimate the Power of Core Values

Hey, younger me!

So, here’s the deal: you're going to make a lot of mistakes.

(Spoiler alert: most of them involve thinking you can pull off bangs. You can't.)

But there's one thing you really shouldn't mess up — your core values.

And yes, this sounds all serious and deep, but stick with me!

These values are more important than you think. They’re like the invisible cheat codes to life, helping you make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and, most importantly, avoid becoming the person who everyone rolls their eyes at.

So, What Exactly Are Core Values?

Core values are kind of like your personal operating system — except, unlike that phone you can never seem to update, these will actually guide your decisions, actions, and how you interact with the world.

Think of them as your internal GPS (except, you know, it doesn’t randomly lose signal).

?? Integrity

?? Respect

?? Kindness

All that good stuff.

And no, "winning at all costs" is not a core value.

Define Them Early (Or You’ll Regret It Later)

If I could give you one piece of advice (besides don’t text your ex at 2 a.m.), it would be to figure out your core values ASAP.

Trust me, it’s way easier to make decisions when you know what matters most.

Otherwise, you'll be constantly second-guessing yourself, like, "Do I really need another pair of sneakers?"

Spoiler: you don’t.

The Core Values Decision-Making Hack

Here’s the life hack they don’t teach you in school: core values make decisions easier.

Should you take that job offer?

Well, if one of your core values is “work-life balance,” maybe that 80-hour-a-week startup isn’t for you.

Should you lie to your boss?

Well, if honesty is one of your values, that’s a no.

See?

It’s like having a little rulebook for your life.

Way better than that “Magic 8-Ball” you keep shaking for answers.

Surround Yourself with People Who Get It

Let’s be real — relationships are tricky.

Whether it’s friends, family, or your one true love (yeah, good luck with that one), things run smoother when your values align.

If you value honesty and they value... whatever the opposite of honesty is, you’re headed for some serious drama.

Pick people who get you, who respect your values, and who won’t steal the last slice of pizza. Trust me, that matters.

How Core Values = Real Success (No, Really)

Contrary to what social media will tell you, success isn’t just about having 10 million followers or a fancy car. It’s about staying true to yourself. If you live by your values, you'll find success that actually feels good.

No, it might not involve a yacht (unless that’s your thing), but it will involve being happy with who you are.

And let’s be honest, being happy with yourself is way better than having a boat you can’t afford to fill with gas.

The True Test: Sticking to Your Values in Tough Times

Alright, here’s where things get real: life’s going to throw some serious curveballs.

When things get tough, you’re going to be tempted to toss those values out the window. Don’t. Hold on to them, like your grandma’s secret cookie recipe or the password to your Netflix account.

It’s easy to stick to your values when things are smooth sailing, but when life gets rough?

That’s when you show what you’re really made of.

When You Mess Up (Because You Will)

Spoiler: you're not perfect.

You’re going to screw up and wander off the path.

(And no, this isn’t about that time you wore Crocs to a wedding — although, yeah, don’t do that again.)

When you mess up, don’t beat yourself up. Learn from it, get back on track, and move on. The important thing is that you don’t let one mistake throw you off for good.

You’re smarter than that. Well, mostly.

Living Your Best, Most Values-Driven Life

Okay, so now that you know your core values are basically the secret sauce to life, live by them. Seriously, once you get into the habit, you’ll feel more like yourself, less stressed, and way less confused when life gets chaotic.

It’s like having a moral GPS — except this one won’t reroute you into a lake.

Dear younger me (and anyone else reading this), don’t underestimate how powerful core values are.

They’re not just some boring, philosophical thing — they’re the key to making good decisions, building strong relationships, and actually liking the person you are.

Figure them out, stick to them, and use them to navigate through life’s messes.

And hey, don’t worry too much — everything else?

You’ll figure that out, too. Probably.