Is it already December!? This year has blown by and the New Year is right around the corner. With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions. Over the next month, and whenever you're planning personal resolutions or goals, I challenge you to align them with your core values.
What are core values, you might wonder? They are those non-negotiables, beliefs, or principles that you hold dear, which act as guiding stars, illuminating your path and shaping your choices. They give your life meaning and are what you give back to the world when you are at your best. These core values are the fundamental building blocks upon which you construct the life you want, providing a strong foundation on which to stand, even when life's storms come rolling in.
It's important to know your core values so you can live with more intention, authenticity, and achieve greater fulfillment. Here we delve into the value of knowing your core values.
1. Clarity in Decision-Making:
Non-negotiables are like your North Star, offering unwavering clarity in your decision-making process. When you've pinpointed what truly matters to you, choices become simplified. Should you take that job offer that pays well but goes against your core values? With your non-negotiables clearly defined, the answer becomes evident.
Let's say one of your non-negotiables is family time. No matter how lucrative a job offer may be, if it requires you to compromise your family time consistently, you'll know that it's not aligned with your values. By keeping your non-negotiables at the forefront of your decision-making, you'll lead a life more in tune with your authentic self.
2. Enhanced Life Satisfaction:
When your daily actions and decisions align with your non-negotiables, life satisfaction soars. You wake up each day knowing you're making choices that are true to your heart. There's an innate sense of fulfillment that comes from living authentically, a contentment that surpasses material success.
This doesn't mean you won't face challenges, but it means that even in the face of adversity, you'll find comfort in the fact that you're living according to your deeply-held beliefs. Over time, this creates a sense of peace and well-being that's far more enduring than the fleeting pleasures of external success.
3. Better Work-Life Balance:
One of the most common areas where people struggle is in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The demands of a career can easily encroach on personal time, leading to burnout and strained relationships. By identifying your non-negotiables, you set boundaries that safeguard your personal life and well-being.
For example, if your health is a non-negotiable, you'll ensure that you prioritize exercise and self-care, even amidst a busy work schedule. This not only benefits your health but also your work, as a well-balanced individual tends to be more productive and creative.
4. Authentic Relationships:
Another significant advantage of defining your non-negotiables is the effect it has on your relationships. When you know what you stand for and what you value most, you not only can prioritize the relationships that mean the most to you, you also attract like-minded individuals and form deeper connections.
Authentic relationships are built on mutual respect for each other's non-negotiables. These are the people who will support and uplift you in your journey. They are the ones who will stand by your side when you face life's challenges.
5. Legacy Building:
How do you want to be remembered? Your non-negotiables serve as the legacy you leave behind. When your actions align with your values, you set an example for those around you, whether it's your children, friends, or colleagues. Your commitment to your non-negotiables becomes an inspiration for others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Identifying my core values had a profound impact on how I make choices and show up every day. I can attest to feeling more purposeful, intentional, and fulfilled in all that I do. I feel like I have more control over my destiny and life than I had previously.
Get to know your own core values. They are the compass that guides your journey, the source of your happiness, and the foundation of your legacy. When you live in harmony with your non-negotiables, you embark on a path that is uniquely yours, one that leads to a life rich with purpose, satisfaction, and meaningful relationships. So, take the time to reflect and discover your non-negotiables, and watch as your life transforms into a remarkable journey of authenticity and fulfillment. Learn more about identifying your own core values here.
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Thinking about your core values can be the 15 minutes you take for yourself today. I promise it will pay dividends.
Have a sage day!