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 ...

		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 ......
		How regular reflection is good for your career and your next move If you want your work to match your values and strengths, you need a simple check-in habit. This is why regular reflection is good for your career: it helps you spot drift early and act sooner. You'll leave with practical way...
		Career research that saves you time, money, and regret Do your career research like a mini-investigation before you leap. Use AI, web search, LinkedIn, and real conversations to validate day-to-day work, pay and progression. You'll feel calmer about choosing a career path because...
		How to be confident at an interview: calm strategies that actually work Wondering how to be confident at an interview without faking it? You'll treat it like a two-way meeting, prepare with a simple answer framework, and practise out loud so your nerves don't run the show. By the end of my blog p...
		Top tips to beat the existential dread of a Sunday evening You're not broken for feeling the existential dread of a Sunday evening. This post shows you how to reduce Sunday anxiety, reset your approach to Monday, and protect your energy with simple changes. Think of it as a calmer ru...
		50 days into 2026: name your biggest career priority, then act You're 50 days into 2026, so it's time to check whether your actions match your biggest career priority. Review what's worked, what hasn't, and what to change without the guilt. Then pick one priority and take the next practi...
		Overcoming imposter syndrome at work: why high achievers often feel like frauds If imposter syndrome is nagging you at work, you're not alone. You'll learn why it hits high achievers and how it shows up day to day. After reading my blog post, you'll walk away with a few practical ways to rebuild trust in...

Other bloggers you may like ...

		Why serviced accommodation in Milton Keynes outperforms hotels for modern work trips Posted by Emily Freeman on https://blog.shortstay-mk.co.uk If a hotel room feels like living out of a suitcase, there's a far better option. Our serviced accommodation in Milton Keynes offers space, privacy an ...
		Companies House accounts filing changes are paused for now Posted by Roger Eddowes on https://blog.essendonaccounts.co.uk Companies House accounts filing changes are on hold for now, so there is no need to rush into new software for the paused April 2027 plans. However, i ...
		Why good organisation underpins every successful property business Posted by Sarah Hannaford on https://blog.sarahpasolutions.co.uk A property business works best when the basics are tidy. When records, tasks and communications are organised, decisions get easier, and growth feels ...
		Why your website is losing leads, and how a smart AI chatbot from YourBOT fixes it Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.yourbot.uk You've got a website. It looks good. It loads quickly. It ticks all the SEO boxes. And yet ... it's not bringing in the leads you expected. Sound fami ...

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!