We are constantly bombarded by other people’s opinions, societal pressures, and external demands. As a coach, I often hear my clients talk about feelings of overwhelm, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, anger, and frustration.
One of the first things I share with them is that behind every emotion lies an important message.
Let’s explore this idea further: all emotions are signals. They serve as indicators of whether we are living in alignment with our core values or not.
The Signals Our Emotions Send
When you experience emotions like contentment, joy, excitement, trust, and peace, they are clear signals that you are living in alignment. On the other hand, emotions such as frustration, guilt, anger, or disappointment are strong indicators of misalignment.
Alignment with what? The answer is simple—your core values.
What Are Core Values?
These are just several definitions:
- Principles or standards of behavior; one’s judgment of what is important in life.
- A set of ethical beliefs and preferences that determine our sense of right and wrong.
- Values are the root beliefs that a person or organization operates from.
As I tell my clients, your values make you unique.
Even if two people share a value like “freedom,” their experiences, beliefs, and perspectives will shape how they interpret and live by that value.
Values are like fingerprints. Nobody’s are the same, but you leave ’em all over everything you do – Elvis Presley.
How Living Your Values Can Benefit You
Understanding your values is the first step toward reducing emotional overwhelm.
Here’s how living by your values can transform your life:
1. Making Decisions Easier (and better choices for yourself!)
Life is full of decisions, and having clarity about your values makes decision-making easier.
Knowing what truly matters to you, you have a reliable compass that helps you navigate through life’s choices, from big career moves to everyday activities. Knowing your values ensures that you are making decisions that reflect your authentic self, rather than being swayed by external influences.
2. Building Meaningful Relationships
Relationships can be a major source of stress if they are not aligned with your values.
When you understand your core values, you can create connections based on mutual respect and understanding. Aligning your relationships with your values fosters deeper connections, reduces conflicts, and creates a foundation of trust and authenticity.
3. Reducing Anxiety, Stress, and Overwhelm
Much of the emotional overwhelm we feel stems from living out of alignment with our values.
We might be working in jobs that don’t fulfill us, maintaining relationships that drain us, or making decisions based on pleasing others rather than ourselves.
By identifying and prioritizing your values, you create a more coherent, peaceful life. Living in alignment reduces internal tension, leading to more peace and less anxiety.
4. Pursuing What Truly Matters
Many people chase goals that don’t genuinely fulfill them, often because they’re following societal expectations rather than their own values.
By identifying your core values, you clarify what truly matters to you, which helps you set goals aligned with your authentic self. This clarity leads to deeper satisfaction and a more meaningful life.
How to Live in Alignment with Your Values Every Day
Identifying your values is only the first step; living by them requires consistent effort and commitment. Here’s what you need to do to ensure your values guide your life:
1. Courage
Living authentically requires courage.
It often involves making decisions that go against societal norms or stepping out of your comfort zone. Courage is necessary to honor your values, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable.
2. Boundaries
Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your values.
Saying “no” to people, situations, and obligations that don’t align with your values ensures that your energy is invested where it matters most.
3. Understanding Your Needs
To live according to your values, you need to know what supports them.
For example, if one of your values is creativity, you may need to carve out time for creative pursuits. Identifying your needs helps you create an environment that nurtures your values.
4. Consistent Practice
Living in alignment with your values is a daily practice.
Regularly check in with yourself to ensure that your actions, decisions, and interactions reflect your core beliefs. Consistent practice builds habits that reinforce your values and keep you on track, even during challenging times.
5. Support and Accountability
Sometimes, staying aligned with your values can be difficult, especially when external pressures or self-doubt arise.
Seeking support from a coach, mentor, or trusted friend can help you stay committed to your values and navigate obstacles along the way. Accountability ensures you remain aligned with your true self.
The Power of Living in Alignment
By identifying and living according to your values, you can transform your life from one of overwhelm to one of clarity and peace.
Your values act as guiding stars, helping you make decisions that align with your authentic self and lead to fulfillment.
Remember, living authentically isn’t just about identifying your values—it’s about embodying them daily. When you align your actions with your core beliefs, you create a life that not only looks right but feels right.