Let’s Revisit: Why Values?

Between my own recent re-evaluation of my values, considering creating a framework for practically integrating values into everyday life, and attending a two day training with Russ Harris, I got to reflecting on why understanding our values important. Russ Harris describes values as our deepest desires for how we want to live and who we want to be;  values are the signposts that direct our lives.

I believe it is important not only to understand what your values are, but also to intentionally live them and revisit them regularly.  Our lives, priorities and circumstances change, and sometimes our awareness of what matters most shifts along with them.

Let’s talk about it, values...

Prevent living on autopilot and instead encourage intentional living.

When we know what truly matters to us, we can make deliberate choices in our day to day lives that leave us feeling fulfilled and aligned with ourselves, rather than simply reacting to whatever comes our way.

Give direction in times of uncertainty.

When we’re facing challenging decisions, knowing what is core to who we are can bring clarity to the choice that is right for us. Our values don’t make difficult decisions easy, but they can help us feel more confident that we’re moving in a direction that aligns with a life we want to live.

Contribute to psychological flexibility.

Meaning values help us to choose actions based on what matters to us instead of momentary discomfort. It can be a lot easier to react to challenging emotions but this can also lead us to act away from our values. When we are anchored in our values and understand what they mean to us, we can behave as our preferred selves even in uncomfortable moments.

Increase motivation and contribute to goal setting.

Values and goals are different but are intertwined. Goals are the specific achievements or outcomes we want to reach while value are the principles that guide how we behave along the way; the qualities we want embody. What matters to us on a values level contribute to the types of goals we set for ourselves, they provide the why behind our goals. This is motivating because values based goals are an expression of what really matters to us. They often feel more meaningful and easier to stay committed to, even when motivation naturally ebbs and flows.

Create fulfillment and meaning.

Living in alignment with our values creates a sense of purpose and satisfaction in the day to day. When we are focused on the consistent embodiment of what matters to us, there is a sense of satisfaction and groundedness, even when circumstances are difficult or goals aren’t achieved. While goals eventually have an endpoint, values continue to give our lives direction and meaning, long after we’ve reach the finish line.