Have you ever felt like life is pulling you in a dozen directions, leaving you unsure of which way to turn? Or maybe you’re cruising through life but wondering, Am I even on the right road? The answer to these questions often lies in understanding your values—your internal compass guiding you toward a life that feels right, no matter the twists and turns.

Exploring and living with courage by the power of your values is not just about self-discovery; it’s about having the courage to act on what you uncover. Let’s dive into why values matter, how to identify them, and how to take bold steps to align your life with what truly matters.

What Are Values?

Values are the deep-down beliefs that matter most to you. They influence your decisions, shape your priorities, and even colour how you see the world. Think of them as the ingredients in your life’s recipe. If you’re mixing in the wrong ones, things might taste “off.” But when you align your life with the right values? That’s when it starts to feel like you.

For instance, if freedom is one of your core values, a rigid 9-to-5 office job might make you feel trapped, no matter how good the pay is. Conversely, if security is a top value, a high-risk, high-reward career might leave you stressed and sleepless.

Why Precision Matters

Here’s the thing: saying “I value kindness” or “I value success” is a great start. But it’s like saying, “I want to go on holiday.” Where? The Amalfi Coast or a camping trip in Wales? Clarity matters.

When you get precise about your values, you unlock their true power. Instead of vague ideas, you gain a clear framework to guide your choices. Let me give you an example.

Case Study: From Confusion to Clarity

Meet Sarah. Sarah always thought she valued “success.” But success is a broad term. For some, it’s climbing the corporate ladder; for others, it’s building a cosy life with a family. Sarah felt stuck in her high-paying corporate job, despite her achievements. Something didn’t feel right.

So, she decided to dig deeper. What did “success” really mean to her? After some soul-searching, she realised it wasn’t about promotions or salary. For Sarah, success meant helping others grow while expressing her creativity.

With this new clarity, Sarah made a bold move. She pivoted to a role in a smaller organisation where she could mentor a team and bring fresh, creative ideas to life. The result? She felt more energised and fulfilled than ever.

The takeaway? Getting specific about your values helps you make decisions that truly align with your heart.

The Power and Courage to Live By Your Values

Here’s the honest truth: knowing your values is one thing, but living by them? That takes courage. And let’s face it, life doesn’t always make it easy. Standing by your values often means making tough choices, having uncomfortable conversations, and sometimes going against the grain. But the rewards—authenticity, fulfilment, and peace of mind—are worth every bit of effort.

Why It’s Hard to Live by Your Values

Living by your values can feel like swimming upstream. Why?

• Societal Pressure: Society often defines success or happiness in ways that might not align with your values. For instance, you might feel pressure to chase wealth when what you truly value is simplicity and time with loved ones.

• Fear of Judgement: Choosing a path based on your values might invite criticism or misunderstanding from others.

• Uncertainty: Living authentically sometimes means stepping into the unknown. You might need to leave behind familiar comforts or routines that no longer align.

But here’s the thing: courage isn’t about fearlessness. It’s about acting in alignment with what matters most, even when fear is present.

What Courage Looks Like in Action

Courage doesn’t always come with fanfare. It’s often found in the quiet, everyday moments when you choose your values over convenience or comfort.

• Saying No: Declining a promotion that doesn’t align with your desire for work-life balance.

• Speaking Up: Sharing your perspective in a meeting because you value honesty, even if it feels risky.

• Making Big Changes: Walking away from a toxic relationship or career to honour your value of self-respect.

A Fun Exercise to Discover Your Values

Let’s make this practical. Grab a pen and paper (or your phone if you’re feeling modern) and try this:

1. Think of a Peak Moment: Reflect on a time when you felt completely alive and proud of yourself. What was happening? Write down the values that were present in that moment. Was it connection, adventure, growth, or something else?

2. Flip Your Frustrations: What drives you absolutely mad? Sometimes, your pet peeves reveal your values. For instance, if lateness irritates you, punctuality and respect for time might be important to you.

3. Ask the Big Why: For each value you identify, ask why it matters. For example, if you value “freedom,” why? Maybe it’s because freedom allows you to explore, be creative, or try new things.

4. Get Specific: Don’t settle for broad terms like “happiness” or “success.” Dig deeper. Does happiness mean spending time with loved ones? Does success mean feeling proud of your work?

The Power and Courage of Exploring Your Values

1. Start Small: Courage doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. Begin by making small choices that reflect your values. For example, if you value health, start by prioritising sleep or saying no to a late-night snack that doesn’t serve you.

2. Visualise Success: Imagine what your life could look like if you consistently lived by your values. How would it feel? Use this vision as motivation to take action.

3. Prepare for Pushback: Not everyone will understand or agree with your choices. That’s okay. Remind yourself why your values matter and stay the course.

4. Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your journey. They’ll help you stay grounded and give you strength when the going gets tough.

5. Celebrate Your Wins: Every time you make a choice in alignment with your values, acknowledge it. Courage builds on itself, and recognising your progress helps you stay motivated.

Why Courage Pays Off

When you take the leap to live by your values, life starts to feel more vibrant and authentic. Sure, there will be moments of doubt or discomfort. But over time, you’ll notice a deep sense of pride and peace in knowing you’re living life on your terms—not someone else’s.

Living courageously is like building a muscle. The more you practise, the stronger you become. And as your courage grows, so does your capacity to create a life that feels truly your own.

Let’s Keep It Real

Exploring and living by your values doesn’t mean life will magically become perfect. There will still be tough days, and you’ll make mistakes. But knowing your values gives you a map to come back to—a way to recalibrate when things feel off.

So, take a moment to pause and reflect. What matters most to you? What’s been missing? The answers are waiting, and they might just lead you to a life that feels more you than ever before.

Now, over to you: What’s one value that makes your heart light up? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear!