Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of indecision, unsure which direction to take because nothing feels quite right? Or maybe you’ve made choices that left you feeling uneasy, as if they weren’t truly yours. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. The truth is, decision-making feels hard when we’re disconnected from our core values.

Understanding and embracing your values is like having a built-in compass that always points you toward clarity and authenticity. When you know what truly matters to you, decision-making becomes easier, more intentional, and aligned with your deepest principles. Instead of second-guessing yourself or feeling pulled in a million directions, you’ll find that your choices are rooted in a sense of confidence and purpose.

Why Your Values Matter

Your values are the fundamental beliefs that guide your actions and decisions. They shape how you view the world, how you connect with others, and how you navigate life’s challenges. When you live in alignment, you experience a sense of fulfillment that feels authentic and true. It’s not about following someone else’s path or meeting external expectations—it’s about honoring what makes you, well, you.

Living in alignment with your core principles doesn’t just make life easier; it makes it richer and more meaningful. When you know your values, you:

• Gain Clarity: You understand why you do what you do, which makes setting priorities straightforward.
• Make Confident Decisions: You no longer feel pulled in multiple directions or overwhelmed by choices.
• Build Authentic Relationships: You naturally connect with people who care about similar things, fostering deeper and more genuine relationships.
• Feel More Resilient: Your values keep you grounded during tough times, reminding you of what truly matters.
• Create Abundance: Whether in your finances, health, or overall well-being, your values guide you toward intentional, purpose-driven actions.

The Evolution of Your Values

It’s important to remember that your values aren’t set in stone. They grow and shift as you move through different seasons of life. Maybe your value of independence once guided your career choices, but now connection feels more essential as you build community and nurture relationships. It’s okay to evolve. In fact, embracing that change is part of staying true to yourself.

I encourage you to revisit your this exercise regularly—at least once a year. Reflect on how your experiences have shaped your priorities and be open to letting your values shift as needed. Living with intention means continuously checking in with yourself, ensuring that your life reflects what matters most right now.

Exploring: A Simple Exercise

Now that you understand why values matter, it’s time to dig into what yours are. Start by reflecting on the words that resonate with you. Take your time. Allow each value to sink in, and pay attention to how it makes you feel. Circle the words that spark a sense of alignment and strike through the ones that don’t quite fit.

After identifying a wide range of values, narrow them down to 12 primary values—the ones that feel the most integral to your sense of self—and 12 secondary values, which still matter but may take a backseat right now.

Visualizing your values can make them feel even more tangible. Use the sunburst exercise to map out your core and secondary values, creating a visual representation of what truly guides you. This not only helps you see your values clearly but also reinforces the commitment to live by them.

Living in Alignment IRL

Once you’ve identified your values, think about how they show up in your daily life. Are your choices aligned with what truly matters? If freedom is a core value, are you creating space in your schedule to feel unrestricted? If health is on your list, how are your routines supporting that intention?

Living intentionally means using your values as a filter for your decisions. Whether it’s a career move, a relationship dynamic, or a personal goal, check in with your core values before you move forward.

Your Journey to Authentic Living

Values aren’t just words on paper—they’re the essence of who you are. When you understand and embrace them, you navigate life with a sense of purpose and ease. Instead of feeling pulled by the expectations of others, you’re guided by your own internal compass.

Remember, living in alignment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a practice—a daily commitment to choosing what feels right for you. Start with your values and let them lead you to the life you truly want.

So, are you ready to get clear on your values? Dive into the exercise, reflect deeply, and embrace the clarity that comes with living your truth. You deserve to live intentionally, authentically, and abundantly.

BONUS: Personifying Your Business

Just as understanding your personal values brings clarity and intention to your life, defining your business’s values can do the same for your entrepreneurial journey. When your business has its own set of core principles, decision-making becomes easier and more aligned. You’ll find that your choices not only support your vision but also resonate with your audience.

Your business values act as a compass, guiding your actions and helping your brand grow with purpose, even when challenges arise. They also build stronger relationships with clients and customers who appreciate and share your company’s ethos. Living by these values fosters a sense of satisfaction and purpose in your business journey, making it feel less like work and more like a mission.

How to Define Your Business Values

Start by considering the aspects that make your business unique. Think about the qualities you want to be known for and how you want to impact your clients and community. Reflect on these guiding questions:

• What is the deeper purpose of my business?
• How do I want clients to feel when they interact with my brand?
• What non-negotiable principles guide my decision-making?
• How do I handle challenges and setbacks in a way that aligns with my mission?

Take some time to go through a list of potential business values. Circle the words that resonate and strike through the ones that don’t feel aligned. Remember, business values can evolve, just like personal ones. What once felt crucial may change as your business grows.

Once you’ve identified your values, narrow them down to 12 primary values that represent the core of your business and 12 secondary values that are still important but take a supporting role. Use the ‘sunburst’ on the next page to visually organize these values.

Bringing Your Business Values to Life

To truly embody your business values, integrate them into your daily operations and client interactions. Use them to guide decisions, set standards, and even resolve conflicts. When faced with feedback or criticism, measure it against your core values to determine if it’s constructive or misaligned with your brand’s identity. This way, you can make thoughtful adjustments without taking feedback too personally.

Personifying your business through its values not only makes your brand more relatable but also ensures that every interaction, project, and decision reflects what your company truly stands for. Your business will feel more like a living, breathing entity with a strong sense of purpose, attracting clients and collaborators who value the same things.

Remember, a business with clearly defined values doesn’t just exist—it thrives.