28 Jan The Hidden Power of Values

Why What You Value Changes Everything

I’ve spent years working with successful people who seem to have it all – the career, the house, the status symbols – yet something is missing. One of my clients (let’s call him James) arrived at one of my retreats feeling exhausted by the life he had created. While his businesses were thriving, he realized he had set up his life to neglect his biggest priority: his family.

This is a story I see repeatedly in my work. We become so focused on achieving that we forget to ask ourselves the essential question: What truly matters to me?

Let me share something I’ve learned: Being successful without understanding your values is like having a compass but never checking which way is north. You might move forward, but are you heading in the right direction?

One of the most life-enhancing exercises I’ve ever done was getting in touch with my key drivers and values. This doesn’t happen overnight – it’s an ongoing journey where the learning comes from the process rather than reaching a destination.

Here’s what I’ve discovered about values

They’re not just abstract concepts like “honesty” or “integrity.” Your true values are deeply personal and become evident in unexpected ways – through the movies that move you, the causes that stir your heart, and even the things that make you angry when you see them being violated.

Think about these questions:

• What gets you out of bed in the morning?
• When do you feel most alive and purposeful?
• What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

I’ve seen transformations happen when people connect with their core values. They often realize they’ve been living someone else’s version of success. Like the executive who discovers his true value is creativity, not status. Or the entrepreneur who realizes her drive for achievement has disconnected her from her core value of family.

The consequence of not living your values? It’s like trying to fill a hunger for real food with sugary snacks – you might feel temporarily satisfied, but you’re never truly nourished.

But here’s the exciting part…

When you align your life with your values, everything changes. You find yourself making decisions with clarity. Your energy flows naturally toward what matters. You stop feeling like you’re swimming upstream.

Want to explore your own values? I’ve created a free ebook, “Mind Your Values,” that guides you through the process I use with my clients. It’s filled with practical exercises and real examples to help you discover what truly drives you.

Remember, values aren’t just nice-to-have guidelines – they’re your essential compass for creating a life of meaning and purpose. Are you ready to discover yours?

Download my free chapter from Motivate Yourself here

I’d love to hear your thoughts. When have you felt most aligned with your values? What happened when you found yourself moving away from them? Share your experiences in the comments below.