Understanding your True Values: A Compass for Health Fulfilment and Change
In our busy, ever-demanding world, we often set health goals without pausing to ask: Why does this matter to me? If you’ve ever struggled to stick with a routine or felt disconnected from your choices, chances are your goals may not be aligned with your values.
Let’s change that.
Unearthing Your True Values: A Compass for Health, Fulfilment, and Change
In our busy, ever-demanding world, we often set health goals without pausing to ask: Why does this matter to me? If you’ve ever struggled to stick with a routine or felt disconnected from your choices, chances are your goals may not be aligned with your values.
Let’s change that.
Why Values Are the Missing Link in Well-Being
True well-being isn’t just about what you eat or how many steps you walk—it’s about alignment. When you live in harmony with your values, decisions become clearer, motivation becomes intrinsic, and life feels more meaningful.
But here’s the truth: many of us haven’t taken the time to really define what our values are. This blog will guide you through a process of reflection to help you connect with what genuinely matters to you.
Step-by-Step: Discovering What You Truly Value
Take this slowly. You might spread it over a few days. Let the insights simmer. This isn’t a checklist—it’s a conversation with your deeper self.
- When were you happiest?
Think about personal and professional moments.
- What were you doing?
- Who were you with?
- What about the situation made you light up?
- When were you proud?
- What did you achieve?
- What values were behind that sense of pride?
- Did others recognise it too?
- When did you feel most “in flow”?
These are those glorious, immersive moments where time stands still.
- What were you doing?
- What was being fulfilled in you?
- What do you regret?
Regret is an underrated teacher.
- What was missing in that situation?
- What might you have gained if you’d acted differently?
- What frustrates or drains you?
Recurring irritations or emotional fatigue can signal a disconnect from your values.
- What activities fully absorb you?
These are your flow states. They’re meaningful, challenging, and rewarding.
- What do they reveal about what you need to thrive?
- When have you stayed stuck?
Whether in a job, relationship, or habit—what did the situation give you, even if it wasn’t ideal?
- What value was being partially fulfilled?
- Who do you admire?
- What qualities do your role models embody?
- Which ones do you secretly (or openly) wish to cultivate?
- What values show up in your “tribes”?
From your family to your colleagues—what values do they promote?
- Which ones resonate?
- Which ones feel out of place?
Making Sense of It All: Your Personal Values List
Now, gather your insights. Look for recurring words or emotions. Be careful not to confuse values with goals or outcomes—e.g. “money” becomes “security”; “exercise” becomes “health”.
Use a values list (like the one in your worksheet) to guide you. Values like integrity, freedom, connection, or growth might start to emerge.
Prioritise What Matters Most
This can feel tricky, but it’s essential. Choose your top ten values, then try to rank them. Ask yourself:
- If I had to choose between these two, which would I honour?
- What does each value look like in action?
This step deepens self-awareness and sharpens your ability to make tough decisions with clarity.
Reaffirm and Realign
Once you’ve chosen your top values, check in with them:
- Do they inspire pride?
- Are they congruent with your future self?
- Would you stand by them even if others disagreed?
If yes, you’ve struck gold. If not, adjust until they feel right.
Why This Matters for Your Health
When your goals reflect your values, they become more than tasks—they become personal commitments.
Want to eat better? Connecting that goal to your value of vitality will fuel you more than guilt ever could.
Struggling with boundaries? Knowing that you value self-respect and authenticity can transform the way you say no.
Values don’t just help us make better choices—they help us make the right ones for us.
Keep Coming Back
Your values aren’t fixed. They evolve as you do. Check in with them regularly, especially when you feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure.
You deserve a life that feels nourishing, not just productive. And understanding your values is the first step toward that life.
Want to go deeper?
Click here to download your FREE Find Your Values Worksheet
