For years, I thought I knew my core values. I could list words like honesty and integrity and feel satisfied. But deep down, I wasn’t really living by them. I hadn’t taken the time to articulate what truly drives me, or what really matters when life gets messy.
The Compass Within is more than just a book; Glazer developed an AI tool that guides you through the process yourself.
Here are my core values:
Truthfully, I would never have come up with this list on my own, but it feels right.
That changed when I discovered Robert Glazer’s book, The Compass Within. It showed me that understanding your core values isn’t just a feel-good exercise - it’s a tool for making better decisions, finding alignment, and even recognizing when life or work is out of sync.
On the surface, the book reads like a simple parable about a young man reflecting on who he is. But underneath, it’s a step-by-step guide for discovering what genuinely matters - and how to let it shape your choices.
Glazer explains that a true core value has three defining traits:
- Non-negotiable principles you already live by (even if imperfectly)
- Stable across time and situations
- A source of both pride and friction
It’s simple to use, but the insights it delivers can be profound.
The AI asks tough questions, helping you spot patterns in your behaviour and uncover truths you might have overlooked.
Why bother? Because when your life or career is out of alignment with your values, it manifests as stress, frustration, or a sense that "something’s off."
Your values can act as a compass, pointing out where adjustments are needed and guiding your next steps.
Glazer suggests testing your values with these questions:
- Can I use this to make a decision?
- Does its opposite create discomfort or anger?
- Is it a phrase, not a buzzword?
- Can I honestly rate myself on it?
- Create clear, functional structure so things and people can work well
- Make clear commitments and follow through - mine and others
- Honour the trust placed in me by choosing responsibility consciously and carrying it fully
- Pursue meaningful progress, not stagnant routine
Now I’ll ask you: Does this align with the Jacqui you know?
If you want to try this yourself (and I highly recommend it), read The Compass Within and then use Glazer’s AI tool, which is free and carries no obligation: https://robertglazer.com/
You’ll be glad you did.
