If a blah feeling follows something you do, stop and don’t do it anymore. If you have no choice but to keep at it for the time being, make it suck less by finding meaning in it.

The best way to do this is to know who you are. This isn’t about what you do for a living. It’s about how you live and approach everything you do. I found that having 3 core values works for me. It prevents me from being an asshole (at least most of the time), it helps me be a better human being, and it helps me enjoy life (at least most of the time).

I find meaning with…  

Creativity. When I learn something, I want to apply it creatively and in new ways. I want to create new things and understandings.

Integrity. When I do something, it’s important to me to treat others well, make my family and friends proud of me, and make it easy for others to respect me.

Tenacity. When I commit to something, I owe it to myself and others involved to do everything I can to see it through. Overexposure is always better than obscurity.

Do I always succeed to live up to my core values? No! But it is my guidance system that helps me live a fulfilled life.

So… How do you decide on your three? How do you narrow it down? I remember it was difficult and took some time when I did it a few years ago, but it was life changing for me and it will be for you if you choose so.

How To Figure Out Your 3 Core Values

Write down the most important values you have. Try to focus on things that are unshakeable; things you’d almost never compromise on. Ask yourself: What are the principles I have that I would be willing to sacrifice my job, my material possessions, even my life for? Make sure they are inspiring values; not ones that make you an asshole.

Narrow the list down to 10 or fewer. Giving some up is the hard part here, but you must do it.

See if any are somewhat similar and can be combined and redefined into one value.

Rank them 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 etc. Give it a second look. Do you want to replace any in the top 3 with something else?

The top 3 are your core values. They’ve always been with you, but now you know...

If possible, make them rhyme, or think of them in a way that is memorable to you. Write them down and put in a place that allows you to see them often. Internalize them.

From now on, when working, interacting, and living life inject a little bit of one, two, or all of your core values into it. Live by them and your life will change.

3 core values are easy to remember. Whenever things are hard or you’re considering being an asshole to yourself or others, they’ll be there to remind you of what’s important.

I hope you enjoyed Chapter 8: 3 Core Values of my new book The Power of Three. I'm super excited to release the Kindle Version this Saturday 6/17 for $3! It's only $3, because I still have not decided on the final subtitle and need your help. The book is about simplifying your life in a way that leads to personal and professional improvement and success. Here's what I got:

The Power Of 3: XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX

I need to replace the Xs with 3 to 6 words that convey the message of the book. Do you have any ideas? Help me out by commenting below or on social. Thank you!

You have the power to change the world. Use it often.