Core values are fundamental beliefs that serve as guiding principles in life. They shape decisions, actions, and perceptions of yourself and the world.
As important as they are to a higher quality of life after 60, most people have not fully defined their values at this stage of life.
If you are looking to define your core values, where do you begin?
We are going to answer this question and more as we continue our exclusive series for Sixty and Me readers on, “Planning Your Legacy & Guiding Your Heirs.”
Read the first article here: A Practical Guide to Giving Your Life Away to Heirs.
What Are Core Values?
To define your core values, you will want to first understand what a core value is. Our generation of women was taught values that reflected the societal, cultural, and familial norms of the era that came before us.
These same values not only helped shape the world we are now in, but they are also playing a direct role in forming the world our heirs and future generations will inherit.
Here are seven examples of core values many women over 60 were taught:
Respect for Elders & Authority
A strong emphasis was placed on respecting elders and those in positions of authority, reflecting a hierarchical view of society.
Honesty & Integrity
Being truthful, maintaining one’s integrity, and being trustworthy in personal and professional relationships.
Hard Work & Perseverance
The virtue of hard work, diligence, sacrifice, and perseverance as means to achieve success and overcome challenges.
Modesty & Humility
Behavior and appearance were shaped around modesty and the importance of humility.
Patriotism & National Pride
A sense of pride in one’s country and respect for national traditions and cultural history.
Religious Faith & Spiritual Beliefs
Religious faith and adherence to spiritual beliefs were central components of life and moral guidance.
Frugality & Financial Prudence
Growing up in the aftermath of World War II as well as due to various economic shifts, scarcity was a prominent topic. This placed heavy emphasis on saving, frugality, and managing finances wisely.
Are Your Core Values Changing?
Which of these seven core values resonate with you?
It’s important to note core values are not universal. They vary greatly depending on individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs.
Equally important to consider are the radical social changes we have witnessed. Change is an immutable law of life, therefore, the core values you learned early on may have changed as you aged.
How would you know if your core values are serving you today as they once did?
10 Steps to Define Your Core Values
To define your core values after 60, it is important to make time to carefully review the core values of your past and assess your core values in the present.
To help you, here are 10 steps you can take to define your core values:
Life Reflection
Self-reflection and re-evaluation of core values is essential in measuring the quality and meaning of past experiences. This also determines the direction you want to take in the future.
Legacy Concerns
Aligning your goals and dreams with your core values ensures the legacy you want is one of purpose and meaning and also clear to your heirs.
Life’s Transitions
Life after 60 brings significant changes. Understanding which of your core values can act as a compass during these transitions will help you navigate decisions and maintain a sense of identity in the face of change.
Prioritization
As we age, a desire to focus on what truly matters most becomes a priority. Core values help in identifying and prioritizing essential aspects of life.
Consistency & Authenticity
As we age, it’s understandable to have grown weary of societal pressures and external expectations. Aligning goals and dreams with your core values for life today – not as it once was – helps you live life with authenticity, where actions resonate with deeply held beliefs.
Resilience
Life inevitably presents challenges, especially after 60. Knowing what your core values are provides strength and resilience, offering a foundation on which to face adversities and maintain one’s path with ease and grace.
Emotional Well-Being
Aligning actions with core values produces greater well-being and satisfaction. Living by your core values after 60 can lead to a sense of fulfillment and peace that may have alluded you earlier in life.
Community & Relationships
The quality of relationships often takes precedence over quantity as we age. Shared core values with others can deepen connections and foster a sense of community.
Guidance in Decision-Making
The more defined your core values are, the easier it is to make decisions that are in alignment with your beliefs.
Motivation
Clear core values provide a definitive ‘why’ behind actions, fueling persistence and passion when and where it matters most.
A Better World
Core values are not just abstract concepts but lived experiences.
Aligning your goals and dreams with well-defined values provides clarity, purpose, and a deeper connection to yourself and loved ones.
For this reason and more, when your core values are defined, your life is more joyful and this ensures future generations inherit a world that is better than the one we inherited all those years before.
I invite you to join me in the video where I will share additional insights on core values along with journal prompts to help you integrate what you’re learning.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What are your core values? Are they different from the ones you were raised with? In what ways have your core values affected your life?
