How Values Lead You to a Life of Purpose

When figuring out school, work, or even friendships, it can feel like you’re standing in front of a giant menu with way too many choices. Should you focus on grades, career, money, passion, or fun? The answer doesn’t come from outside, it comes from knowing what you value most by pursuing a journey of self-discovery.

What Are Values, Anyway?

Think of values as your compass. They’re the things that matter most to you, like honesty, creativity, freedom, kindness, or adventure. When you know your personal core values, you’re less likely to get lost in what everyone else is doing and more likely to make choices that feel right for you.

For example:

• If creativity is a core value, you might feel happier in classes or jobs where you get to design, write about, or develop innovative ideas.

• If you value security, you may lean toward stable careers and financial planning.

• If friendship and connection are top values, you’ll prioritize people and relationships over achievements.

These are examples of core values that guide everyday decisions.

Why Purpose Matters

Purpose is the “why” behind what you do. It doesn’t have to be a huge, world-changing mission. Purpose could mean helping others, solving interesting problems, or expressing yourself through music, art, or sports.

When your purpose connects with your values, life feels more meaningful. You’re not just checking boxes, you’re finding purpose and practicing intentional living.

How to Find Your Purpose Through Values

Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Take the Personal Values Quiz

Sometimes you need a mirror to see yourself more clearly. Our free Personal Values quiz can illuminate the priorities already shaping your decisions, even if you haven’t named them yet. It’s quick, fun, and a significant first step toward understanding your broader sense of the purpose of life.

2. Notice What Energizes You

Think about the moments when you feel most alive, motivated, or proud. Those bursts of energy are powerful signals pointing to what you truly value and can arouse an interest in exploring them further.

3. Look at Your Role Models

Who inspires you? Pay attention to the qualities you admire in others—whether it’s their creativity, kindness, courage, or ambition. Chances are, those same qualities matter deeply to you, too, and they reflect your personal values.

4. Ask Yourself “Why?” (Again and Again)

When you set a goal, like getting good grades, landing a dream job, or building financial freedom, don’t stop at the “what.” Ask yourself why it matters. Then ask why again. Digging deeper helps reveal the values driving your ambitions.

5. Try New Experiences

You don’t always discover your values by thinking—you can discover them by living. Say yes to opportunities: join a club, volunteer, travel, or create something new. Each experience helps you figure out what feels meaningful and what doesn’t as you explore how to find your purpose in life.

Applying Values in Real Life

• In School: Choose subjects, projects, or study methods that align with what excites you.

• In Work: Look for jobs or internships that let you live your values daily, not just pay the bills.

• In Life: Say “yes” to opportunities that match your values and learn to say “no” to things that don’t.

Takeaways

You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Values and purpose can evolve as you grow. Starting the journey matters because once you know what truly matters to you, choices in school, work, and life become clearer (and less overwhelming). In the end, living by your personal core values leads to clarity, confidence, and a deeper connection to your purpose in life.

References and Citations

• Schwartz, Shalom H. “An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values.” Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, vol. 2, no. 1, 2012, pp. 1–20. Foundational framework defining universal human values and their motivational roles.

• Frankl, Viktor E. "Man’s Search for Meaning." Beacon Press, 2006. Classic work linking purpose and meaning to psychological well-being.

• Steger, Michael F. “Meaning in Life and Why It Matters.” The Psychologist, vol. 26, no. 2, 2013, pp. 128–131. Explains how values-based living fosters purpose and fulfillment.

• Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci. "Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness." Guilford Press, 2017. Demonstrates that autonomy, competence, and relatedness guide purposeful behavior.

• Wrzesniewski, Amy, et al. “Jobs, Careers, and Callings: People’s Relations to Their Work.” Journal of Research in Personality, vol. 31, no. 1, 1997, pp. 21–33. Empirical evidence connecting value alignment at work with a sense of calling and fulfillment.