Finding your career summit: how to identify your core values for decision making

CREATED BY DAVE CORDLE

Published: 13/11/2025 @ 09:01AM

#careerdecisions #corevalues #mountainclimb #uncertainpath #unfriendlyterrain

Imagine setting out on a mountain climb without a map or destination in mind. The path feels uncertain, the terrain unfriendly, and doubts creep in at every turn. Making career decisions without knowing your core values can feel just like that: climbing without a compass ...

Finding your career summit, A journey to the top, Endless possibilities await

Your core values are the bedrock of your decision-making.They are the guideposts that help you choose a path aligned with who you truly are. Just as a seasoned mountaineer relies on their compass to navigate rugged terrain, trusting your values can bring clarity to career choices amid the fog of uncertainty.

Core values are the principles and beliefs
that matter most to you!

They shape how you define success, what kinds of work environments feel fulfilling, and how you want to contribute in your career. Examples might include creativity, balance, integrity, collaboration, or adventure.

Without identifying these values, it's like trying to reach a summit without knowing which mountain you're climbing. You might find yourself wandering, exhausted, or on a route that doesn't bring you satisfaction.

Just as every climber prepares before the ascent, take some time to reflect:

Look Back at Past High Points: Think of moments when you felt truly engaged and proud. What values were present? Maybe it was teamwork during a project or the thrill of solving a tough problem.
Pinpoint What Drains You: Just as dangerous crevices mark risky terrain, recognising work situations that sap your energy or leave you unhappy provides clues about what clashes with your values
Prioritise and List: Write down the values you identify and rank them. This will serve as your compass needle when making career decisions.

When choices arise - whether it's choosing a job, a project, or a new skill to learn - run them through your values filter. Does this opportunity respect your need for growth? Does it align with your desire for balance or collaboration?

If yes, the path feels clearer and more energising. If
no, it may be a detour or a false summit!

Remember, just like mountaineering skills improve with experience, your understanding of your values and career needs will evolve. Revisit this reflection periodically to recalibrate your compass as you ascend your career mountain. In the end, knowing your core values doesn't just help you make better decisions; it enables you to enjoy the climb.

It turns career uncertainty into a thrilling expedition, where every step feels purposeful and aligned with who you really are. So, strap on your boots, trust your compass, and start your ascent with confidence.

By identifying your core values, you're setting yourself up for a career journey that's not just about reaching a peak, but about loving the climb itself.

Until next time ...

DAVE CORDLE
Career Development Professional

07941 690 391

www.davecordle.co.uk / www.linkedin.com/in/davecordle

Everything you need for your career: www.davecordle.co.uk/basecamp

Would you like to know more?

If anything in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like some further help and advice with your career, then why not get in touch today? Call me on 07941 690391, visit my website at davecordle.co.uk to see ways I can help and support you, or connect with me on LinkedIn and let's start a conversation.

Share the blog love ...

Buffer

Facebook

Twitter

#careerdecisions #corevalues #mountainclimb #uncertainpath #unfriendlyterrain

About Dave Cordle ...

I began my professional life training as a cartographer with the Directorate of Overseas Surveys, a department of the British government. I made maps of places such as Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Sudan and the British Virgin Islands. It was a fascinating time, being involved in planning the flights for aerial photography, interpreting the photographs and eventually producing the plates for the different layers of the final map.

It was during my latter years as a cartographer and my career in computing that I undertook bigger mountaineering expeditions to the Andes, the Himalayas, the Tien Shan and the Caucasus. At that time I also held various leadership roles in scouting. I coached and trained young people successfully leading them to develop themselves and embrace new experiences. So that’s where my passion comes from to help young people learn the strategies for success that I share with my business and career clients.

My journey in personal professional development and coaching has been amazing, and will continue to be so: it’s why I’m here, it’s my big passion. It’s what has informed my vision and mission.

However unlikely your dream might seem, if you keep taking steps towards it, even small steps, you may well just surprise yourself.

More blog posts for you to enjoy ...

		Mentors and goal buddies: how they help you reach your goals Mentors and goal buddies can make your ambitions clearer and more achievable. You get advice, perspective and accountability, and you stay on track when motivation dips. A good career support network can change everything ......
		How to find your workplace genius and build career confidence Workplace genius is the blend of strengths, energy and purpose that makes your work feel natural. If school never quite fit, that does not mean you lack ability. With the right support, you can discover what suits you and bui...
		Networking for young people: your quiet career advantage Networking for young people is not about being pushy; it's about being visible, curious and useful. The people you meet now can shape your career development later. And the best bit? You can start small, right where you are ....
		LinkedIn is essential for career growth, but it's more than just a recruitment website LinkedIn is more than a place to scroll through vacancies. It helps you build useful connections, learn from other people, and make smarter moves in your career growth ......
		Limiting beliefs that quietly block the career you want If your career feels stuck, limiting beliefs may be doing more damage than a spelling mistake on your CV. You'll see how fear disguises itself as 'common sense' and how to spot it. Once you name it, you can start moving with ...
		The art of work-life integration for a calmer, smarter career If work-life balance feels like a tug-of-war, then work-life integration provides a smarter approach. You can organise your week so that work, health, money, relationships, and rest all support one another. This generally fee...
		You've been made redundant? Let's separate you from the job If you've been made redundant, it can feel personal, but it isn't. The role has gone, not your strengths, experience or future. Let's reset the story and get you steady, practical and moving again ......
		Practical tips for handling conflict at work Conflict at work doesn't have to derail your day. Use these practical, collaborative tips to stay calm, solve the real problem, and protect relationships. You'll handle conflict at work with more confidence and less drama ......

Other bloggers you may like ...

		How one blog post can power your social media and email marketing Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.sblogit.com Many small business owners think they need a constant stream of fresh ideas to keep their marketing active. In reality, one good blog post can often p ...
		Why Some Network Groups Flounder Posted by Jacky Sherman on https://www.jackysherman.com If you're running your own small business, sooner or later, you will go networking. And when you do, you will quite quickly discover that some network ...
		Contractor accommodation in Milton Keynes for modern business stays Posted by Emily Freeman on https://blog.shortstay-mk.co.uk Contractor accommodation in Milton Keynes suits teams that need more than a hotel room. It offers space, privacy, parking, and practical comforts to k ...
		Chancellor Faces Pressure Over Personal Tax Thresholds Change to £18,000 Posted by Roger Eddowes on https://blog.essendonaccounts.co.uk Personal tax thresholds are drawing fresh attention as campaigners argue for a £18,000 allowance before anyone pays tax. The Treasury says the cost wo ...

Finding your career summit: how to identify your core values for decision making

Core values are the principles and beliefsthat matter most to you!

If yes, the path feels clearer and more energising. Ifno, it may be a detour or a false summit!

Core values are the principles and beliefs
that matter most to you!

If yes, the path feels clearer and more energising. If
no, it may be a detour or a false summit!