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

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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.

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