We have to put work to work for us, and that starts by knowing our Core Values.

C-Suites use the company’s Core Values to filter big decisions, to stay on track toward its desired future, and to course correct when things go wrong. We should do no differently for our own personal lives…for our Me-Suite.

Core Values are the non-negotiables we expect from ourselves and others. They are the rudder we should use to filter big decisions and the foundation to come back to when we’re off-balance.

Watch this short video to learn more about how your personal Core Values help make decisions around the role you want work to play in your life. This is especially important for the decisions we make about work since we’re awake working—or doing something related to work—more hours in a day than we’re awake not working. It’s imperative that our work be aligned to our Core Values.

This recent research on the world’s most influential values is a great primer for thinking about your own values. There’s also an entire chapter in my book dedicated to Core Values, including research from the 200+ career-driven, life-minded professionals interviewed on The Me-Suite podcast.

My Core Values are Curiosity, Freedom, and Respect. I added Gratitude and Vitality after the pandemic experience.

If you take a moment to identify—or refresh—your Core Values, I’d love to hear from you.