Why Knowing Your Values Changes Everything
In our fast-paced world full of noise, deadlines, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to get swept along without ever stopping to ask: What really matters to me?
Many of us think we know our values, but when pressed, we struggle to name them. But when you do, your values can serve as an internal compass — they can help you decide what direction to take, what to say yes to, and what to politely walk away from. When you know your values, you’re less likely to feel pulled in a hundred directions, because you have a clear anchor for your decisions.
Your values are already inside you — it’s just a matter of uncovering them and letting them guide the way. That’s why taking time to reflect is so important. Ask yourself: When have I felt most proud of my choices? Most alive? Most at peace? Chances are, your values were at play in those moments.
There are many free resources you can use to help identify your own core values (I’ve put links to a couple of my favorites below). If you want to dive even deeper, working with a therapist or coach can be a great way to go beyond simply naming those values. Together, you can take an honest inventory of how much your current life reflects your values, identify what needs to change to find greater alignment, and then be supported every step of the way towards that goal.