Why principles help
When you know what matters most, decisions about jobs, studies and relationships become clearer.
Finding yours
- Recall people you admire. What qualities do they show?
- Recall times you felt proud or uncomfortable. Which values were involved?
- Choose five values, for example honesty, learning, family, service, independence.
- Write a sentence for each about how you live it.
Using them
When facing a choice, ask which option fits your principles best. Review them every year or two.
Deciding whether it fits you
A field can look exciting from the outside and still be a poor fit. Before committing, talk to two or three people already doing the work, try a short course or project, and notice whether the day-to-day tasks energise or drain you. A structured conversation with a mentor can help you compare options against your interests, abilities and values rather than trends alone.