Jeanette Brown
Knowing and living by your values can be a total game-changer. I’ve seen it time and again.
As the creator of Reset Your Life Compass, I’ve guided countless people on their journeys towards self-discovery. And one thing I’ve learned? Understanding your values and truly living by them can have life-altering benefits.
In this article, I’ll be sharing with you 8 transformative perks of being in tune with your values. These aren’t just theories or suppositions. They’re real takeaways from my experience helping others navigate life’s transitions.
So, get ready to delve into your values and see how they can change your life for the better. This is a journey worth embarking on, I promise you.
1) Embracing change for a fulfilling life
Knowing your values is like having a compass in the wilderness of life.
I’ve seen many people go through tough times, often feeling lost and unsure of what to do. The common denominator? They’re usually not clear on their values.
When you know and live by your values, it becomes easier to embrace change and navigate towards a more fulfilling life.
Here’s the thing – life is full of twists and turns, and it’s crucial to be able to adapt. But change can be scary. That’s where your values come in. They act as a guide, helping you steer through life’s transitions.
Living by your values means making decisions that align with what you believe in. It’s about staying true to yourself in the face of adversity. When you do this, even the most daunting changes become less intimidating.
So, start exploring your values. Understand what truly matters to you and let it guide your actions. It will make all the difference in how you navigate through life and its changes.
2) Deep understanding of self
Getting to know your values is essentially getting to know yourself on an intimate level. As the great philosopher Socrates once said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”
One of the benefits I’ve observed in my clients is a profound understanding of who they are at their core. With clarity on their values, they can truly connect with their identity and purpose.
It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion. Each value you uncover provides a deeper insight into what drives you, what energizes you, and what you stand for. This understanding allows you to live authentically and confidently.
And as a bonus, it tends to radiate outwards – people can sense when you’re grounded in your beliefs and it often draws them towards you.
If you are unclear about your values, watch my video below on harnessing the power of values. I also talk about an exercise I love to recommend on defining your values. It’s a simple, yet powerful tool to help you uncover your core values. Give it a try here. It’s your first step towards self-understanding and wisdom.
3) Setting meaningful life goals
We’ve all set goals that we didn’t follow through.
The problem often lies in the fact that these goals aren’t aligned with our values. They may be influenced by societal expectations, pressures, or even the desires of people around us. But when the going gets tough, it’s hard to stay committed to a goal that doesn’t resonate with your core values.
On the flip side, when you set goals based on your values, motivation comes naturally. You’re not just chasing an arbitrary target, you’re striving for something that truly matters to you.
These goals feel less like an obligation and more like a personal mission. They give your life direction and purpose. And even if you stumble along the way (as we all do), your values can help you get back on track.
So don’t just set goals for the sake of setting them. Dig deep into your values and set goals that align with them. Your future self will thank you.
4) Steering your life’s direction
Steering the course of your life can feel overwhelming. Life is full of choices and decisions, big and small. And it’s not always clear which path to take.
When you’re unclear about your values, it’s like sailing a ship without a rudder. You’re at the mercy of the wind and waves, with no real control over where you’re going.
But when you understand your values, it’s like having a compass and a rudder. You have the means to navigate through the choppy waters of life, steering your course towards what truly matters to you.
Your values act as your guide, helping you make choices that align with who you are and where you want to go. They prevent you from drifting aimlessly or getting swayed by the currents of societal pressure or other people’s expectations.
So grab hold of that rudder. Define your values and let them guide you in charting the course of your life. It’s empowering, fulfilling, and honestly, a relief to know that you are in control of your journey.
5) The power of journaling
Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper can be incredibly therapeutic. It’s something I’ve personally experienced and have seen work wonders for many of my clients.
Journaling can help you process your thoughts and feelings, reflect on your experiences, and gain insights into your patterns and behaviors. But it’s not just about documenting your life. It’s also a tool for living in alignment with your values.
When you journal about your values, it serves as a constant reminder of what’s important to you. It helps you stay focused on your goals, make decisions that align with your values, and live a more fulfilling life.
I’ve incorporated journaling exercises in my course, Reset Your Life Compass. This course is designed to help you take charge of your life by understanding your values and using them to guide your decisions and actions. You can check it out here.
So, grab a pen and start journaling. It’s a simple habit that can have a profound impact on your life.
6) Changing habits for a better life
Let’s face it, changing habits is tough. We all have those ingrained patterns of behavior that we’d like to change, but it often seems like an uphill battle.
But here’s the thing – understanding your values can be a game-changer when it comes to habit change.
When your habits align with your values, they feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of who you are. They become part of your identity. And we’re all more likely to stick to habits that reinforce our identity.
On the other hand, if a habit goes against your values, you’ll likely struggle to maintain it in the long run. It simply feels wrong, no matter how hard you try.
So if you’re trying to change a habit, start by examining your values. Are your habits in line with what truly matters to you? If not, it might be time to make some changes.
Remember, habits are powerful. They shape our lives. So make sure yours are helping you live in accordance with your values.
7) Finding meaning and purpose
Life without meaning and purpose can feel empty, can’t it? As the renowned psychiatrist Viktor Frankl once said, “The quest for meaning is the key to mental health and human flourishing.”
Understanding your values gives you that meaning. It provides a sense of purpose and direction, adding depth and richness to your life.
Your values are a reflection of what matters most to you, of what gives your life meaning. They are the principles that guide your actions, decisions, and relationships.
Living in alignment with your values allows you to lead a purpose-driven life. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. There’s a profound sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing you’re living true to your values.
8) Living authentically
Here’s something counterintuitive – being true to yourself can sometimes mean going against the grain.
In a world that often encourages conformity, living authentically – that is, aligning your actions with your values – may make you stand out. And that’s not always comfortable.
But let me tell you, it’s worth it.
Living in line with your values allows you to show up in the world as your true self. You’re not pretending to be someone you’re not or trying to fit into a mold that doesn’t suit you.
It brings an unparalleled level of peace and satisfaction. You’re living on your terms, guided by what truly matters to you.
And surprisingly, it often draws people towards you. People respect authenticity and are attracted to those who have the courage to be themselves.
So dare to be yourself, even if it means standing out from the crowd. Remember, an authentic life is a fulfilling life.
In conclusion, understanding and living by your values can have profound benefits. From setting meaningful life goals to living authentically, your values are a compass that can guide you towards a fulfilling life.
Remember, this journey is deeply personal and unique to each individual. It’s about self-discovery and personal growth. It’s not always easy, but I assure you, it’s worth it.
If you’re ready to embark on this journey and need some guidance, I invite you to check out my course, Reset Your Life Compass. It’s designed to help you discover your values and use them as a guide in navigating life’s transitions.
So, get to know yourself better. Uncover your values. Embrace change. Live authentically. Your life is waiting for you.
