Your Values Are Your Compass
Struggling with inner conflict and stress? Ever feel lost in the moment when making a choice on how to navigate a situation? Lead with your values to help guide your choices.
But sometimes, it can be tricky to figure out what our personal values are. So, what are they exactly?
Our values are what truly matter to us. They are core beliefs that guide our behavior and decisions. They are the same in both our professional and personal lives and unique to each person.
They are NOT what you think you 'should' do or what people expect of you.
When we live more aligned with our values, we feel happier, more balanced, and fulfilled. We reduce inner conflict and stress, and we strengthen our relationships and confidence in ourselves.
Living and leading with our values provides clarity on how we can act in any situation. This isn't about being perfect; we all get out of alignment at times. Being clear on our values helps us figure out how to get back to acting in a way that aligns with them.
Not sure what your values are? Here are some ways to gain clarity:
- Reflect on the ways of being that you hold most important in yourself and others.
- Reflect on the times when you felt happiest, most proud, or deeply fulfilled.
- Think about people you admire and respect. Understanding why these individuals stand out can help you pinpoint values that you aspire to.
- Pay attention to situations that elicit strong reactions from you, both positive and negative. Your emotional responses can be indicators of what you value deeply.
- Consider what aspects of your life you wouldn’t give up or what lines you wouldn’t cross, as these are often tied to your core values.
- Reflect on how you want people to perceive or experience being with you—if someone was giving your eulogy, what would you want them to say about you? This might seem morbid, but it gets to the heart of what you value.
- Reference a general list of values and mark the ones that truly resonate with you. Then narrow these down until you have a few top values, say three or four.
Check in to ensure the values you come up with are a reflection of who you want to be and what truly matters to you.
When I am feeling frustrated and really struggling to navigate a situation, I'll take a breather and some alone time to reflect on how I can behave in a way that reflects my values and what truly matters to me.
Ask yourself this question in the moment: Is this a reflection of who I want to be and what matters most to me? If it isn’t, how can I behave in a way that is?
What helps you live aligned with your values?
A special reminder: my book, Your Balanced and Bold Life: Work Less, Live More, and Be Your Best, is available for sale on Amazon and other major book retailers.
This book is the result of months and, really, years of thought, effort, and care to create something life-changing and help you be happier, balanced, and successful—whatever that looks like for YOU.
