Do your choices align with your core values?

Independence, competence, loyalty, integrity, creativity… It is important to identify your core values in order to make changes in your life.

Life change is simpler than we think. I believe that our choices can change our lives. At Monarch Life Coaching, “CHOICE” is an acronym that outlines the steps for self-discovery and confident decision making. This month, our blog series will focus on the second step in my coaching program. The “H” in CHOICE stands for “harness your values and beliefs.”

When it comes to making better choices and pursuing our goals, the key is in aligning our actions with our core values.

What you value gives you the framework for what you need

Your core values are those principles that you hold as essential to living the life you’ve envisioned for yourself. What do you need to make that vision a reality?

Identifying your values, and subsequently your needs, will give you signposts along your journey to change. If you value relationships and intimacy, you need the time and energy to put family and friends first. If you value improvement and personal growth, you need opportunities for continued learning.

I ask my coaching clients to complete an exercise to identify their values. You need to know what your values are, and rank them in order of importance. Download my free worksheet to narrow down your top 5 core values.

Our values give us direction. When we’ve identified our core values, we can clearly see what’s missing in our lives. Are your needs being met? You’ll have a better understanding of why you feel stagnant or “stuck.”

We find fulfillment when our actions are in line with our core values

After you’ve identified your core values, you need to ask yourself, “Are my values at the center of every decision I make – about my career, my partner, my finances, and how I spend my time?”

Would you enter into a relationship with someone who didn’t share your foundational values or beliefs? Similarly, would you take a job with a company whose values were at odds with your own? Your values are the cornerstone of a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Take a hard look at your life. For example, let’s say that you value creativity. Does your company encourage innovation and out-of-the-box thinking? Or does your boss prefer to do things the way they’ve always been done?

You value your relationships… Does your organization promote work-life balance? Or does your job put difficult demands on your free time?

We have conflict in our lives when there is a misalignment between our actions and our core values. It is easier to make choices when we’re clear on the foundational principles that govern our lives.

Takeaway

When we honor our values in all that we do, we will find balance and fulfillment.
What are your core values? What is most important to you?

As a Certified Life Coach, I can help you (1) identify your values, and (2) take the necessary steps to align your choices with those values. Learn more about CHOICE coaching and schedule your complimentary session today.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash