What Matters Most? Uncovering Your Values for a Life You Love.
In my last post, you explored the 'off' feeling, that sense of discontent that can creep into your live, especially in your 30s and 40s. We talked about how important it is to identify those feelings to start creating real change. Now that you've started to uncover what isn't working, let's dive into what does matter: Your Values.
These are the core principles that guide your decisions, shape your desires, and ultimately, bring you joy and fulfillment. In this blog, you will explore how to identify and reconnect with your values, because when you live a life aligned with what truly matters most, that's when the magic happens.
Think about a time when you felt truly happy, engaged, and fulfilled. What was happening?…What were you doing?… Who were you with?…
Often, these moments are clues to what we value most.
Our values are like our internal compass. They point us in the direction of what is truly important. They can be things like connection, creativity, freedom, contribution, security, adventure, or personal growth. There is no right or wrong answer – your values are unique to you.
As you navigate different stages of life, your values can evolve. What was important in your 20s might not hold the same weight in your 30s or 40s.
Life experiences, relationships, and personal growth can all influence what we prioritize. That's why it's so important to revisit and reconnect with your values regularly.
Let's explore some questions to help you uncover what truly matters to you right now:
What brings you joy? What activities make you feel energized and alive? What are you naturally drawn to?
What are you most proud of? Think about accomplishments you have achieved, both big and small. What values did these accomplishments represent?
What do you stand for? What principles are non-negotiable for you? What causes are you passionate about?
Who do you admire most? What qualities do you see in others that you value?
If you had unlimited time and resources, how would you spend your days? This can help you uncover what you truly value, without the constraints of daily life.
Think about a time you felt misaligned. What was happening? What felt "off"? This can provide clues to what you don't value.
It can be helpful to brainstorm a list of potential values. Don't censor yourself – just write down everything that comes to mind.
Here are a few examples to get you started:
Authenticity
Balance
Community
Creativity
Family
Friendships
Financial Security
Freedom
Fun
Personal Growth
Health (Physical and Mental)
Honesty
Impact
Intimacy
Kindness
Learning
Love
Openness
Passion
Respect
Spirituality
Stability
Travel
Wisdom
Once you have a list, start to narrow it down. Which values resonate most strongly with you? Which ones feel essential to your happiness and fulfillment? Try to identify your top 5-7 core values.
This isn't a one-and-done process. Your values may shift and evolve over time, and that's perfectly okay. The important thing is to be intentional about identifying them and using them as a guide for your decisions.
Conclusion:
Understanding your values is like having a roadmap for your life! When you make choices aligned with what truly matters to you, you create a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
In my next post, you will explore how to use your values to set meaningful goals and create an action plan for achieving your dreams.
Stay tuned and Thank You for reading!
