I saw this quote as a meme many, many years ago, and it was one of those rare moments of clarity. The comment made sense, and I realized this was the type of person I wanted to be—someone whose thoughts, words, and actions are in harmony. Somebody living their truth. But it is difficult to live your truth if you are unsure of what it is. It was a few years later that I came across the exercise to define my values.

What Are Values and Why Do They Matter?

Values are the beliefs and principles that shape your decisions and actions. They define what’s important to you and influence everything—from the way you spend your time to the people you surround yourself with.

Research from psychologist Steven Hayes, creator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), shows that living in alignment with one’s values increases overall life satisfaction and reduces stress. When your actions reflect what you truly believe in, you experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Common Core Values to Consider:

• Integrity – Doing what’s right even when no one is watching.

• Growth – Continuously learning and evolving.

• Family – Prioritizing relationships and loved ones.

• Health – Taking care of your physical and mental well-being.

• Freedom – Living life on your own terms.

• Spirituality – Connecting with something greater than yourself.

• Compassion – Showing kindness to yourself and others.

• Authenticity – Living as your true self, unapologetically.

• Resilience – Overcoming challenges with strength and adaptability.

• Gratitude – Practicing appreciation for what you have and cultivating a positive mindset.

• Service – Contributing to the well-being of others and making a difference in the world.

• Creativity – Expressing yourself freely and embracing innovation.

• Accountability – Taking responsibility for your actions and commitments.

Action Step:

1. Reflect on Peak Moments – Think about moments in your life when you felt the most fulfilled, proud, or at peace. What values were being honored in those moments?

2. Identify What Triggers You – Pay attention to situations that cause frustration, anger, or sadness. Often, these emotions arise when a core value is being violated.

3. Prioritize Your Core Beliefs – Make a list of values that resonate with you, then narrow them down to the top five that are most important.

Take a moment to think about five values that matter most to you. Are they kindness, integrity, growth, freedom, or something else? Write them down.

The Impact of Living Out of Alignment with Your Values

Ever felt drained by a job, relationship, or situation but couldn't pinpoint why? It’s often because it doesn’t align with your core values. When there’s a gap between what you truly value and how you’re living, it creates internal tension, leading to stress, dissatisfaction, and even burnout.

For example, if you deeply value family but work in a high-demand job that constantly pulls you away from them, you may feel guilt or frustration. The good news? Once you identify these misalignments, you can start making small changes toward realignment.

Action Step:

Reflect on areas in your life where you feel out of sync. What small adjustments could bring you closer to your values?

PDSA: A Practical Approach to Aligning with Your Values

The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle is a structured and intentional method for aligning your actions with your core values. It provides a practical framework for continuous self-improvement and growth. Here’s how you can apply it in your daily life:

Plan: Define Your Intentions

Begin by identifying an area in your life where you want to be more aligned with your values. This could be anything from relationships to career choices or personal habits.

• Example: If one of your core values is health, you might decide to prioritize regular exercise, healthy eating, or stress management techniques.

• Take a moment to write down your goal and the steps needed to achieve it.

Do: Take Action

Once you have a clear plan, it’s time to put it into motion. Start with small, manageable steps rather than making drastic changes all at once.

• Example: Instead of committing to an intense one-hour daily workout, begin with a 10-minute walk or stretching routine.

• Track your progress and make note of any challenges you encounter along the way.

Study: Reflect on Your Progress

Pause periodically to evaluate how well your actions align with your values. Ask yourself:

• Is this change making me feel more fulfilled?

• What obstacles have I faced, and how have I overcome them?

• Do I need to adjust my approach?

This step is essential because it allows you to make intentional adjustments based on real experiences rather than assumptions.

Act: Adjust and Refine

If something isn’t working, don’t be discouraged—adapt and modify your plan. Growth is an ongoing process, and flexibility is key to making lasting changes.

• Example: If you planned to meditate for 15 minutes each morning but found it difficult to sustain, try reducing it to 5 minutes or choosing a different time of day.

• The key is to keep moving forward, even if progress is slow.

Action Step:

Pick one small habit to implement this week that aligns with your values. Use the PDSA cycle to track your progress, reflect on challenges, and refine your approach for continued success.

Realigning Your Life: A Story of Transformation

Take Oprah Winfrey, for example. She built her empire not just on business strategy but on the core values of authenticity, service, and empowerment. By staying true to her values, she created a life of impact and fulfillment.

You don’t have to be a global icon to live in alignment with your values. Your version of success—whether it’s peace, balance, or financial independence—starts with clarity on what truly matters to YOU.

Final Thoughts: Your Values, Your Power

Your values are the foundation of a meaningful life. When you align with them, decision-making becomes easier, stress decreases, and fulfillment skyrockets.

So, what’s next? It’s time to take action. Start by identifying your core values and making small, intentional shifts in your daily life.

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Let’s raise the vibe together, one thought at a time. ✨

Samantha G

Resources & References:

• Steven C. Hayes, PhD: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Research (Link)

• “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” – Stephen R. Covey

• Psychology Today: Understanding Core Values (Link)