The last two weeks, I have shared my thoughts on core values, and today I want to look at how knowing your core values can streamline your decision making. Each day is filled with decision after decision. There are simple decisions like what to eat for breakfast, or what outfit to wear (although somedays this feels like an overwhelming decision). Other times during our days, we have to make really tough decisions like how to spend large chunks of time, decisions about relationships or even decisions that have lasting effects or effects on our loved ones. The amount of decisions can feel overwhelming at times. The more work you do around defining your core values (see the first blog post in this series for help on making a list of your core values), the clearer decision making will become.
When to say “yes” or “no”
When you know who you are and what’s important to you, the decision between saying “yes” to something or “no” to something becomes simpler. Notice I did not say easier. Sometimes we have to say “no” to good things and this is hard. Again, the more confident you become in what is most important to you, the stronger you will become in being able to say “no.”
Keep coming back to your core values list
The first step is to spend time daily reflecting on your list of core values. Begin to refine it, add to it or even take things off the list that perhaps shouldn’t be there. These values will become ingrained a little deeper and deeper as time goes on. Reflect on them in the small choices first. If physical health is important to you, then choosing homemade oatmeal or sugary cereal becomes a clear choice. If feeling confident is important to you, then you may want to take the time to go through your closet and only keep clothes that make you feel good about yourself.
As you become more sure of the small choices, move on to some of the bigger, more lasting choices. If self-care is on your list, then stepping away for a half hour each night to take a walk with earbuds playing a podcast with a positive message may need to become a priority. Your family will survive without you for a half hour, and you will be a better wife and mom for taking that time for yourself. If making memories and taking vacations is important, then deciding to cut back on frivolous spending in order to set money aside for a vacation fund may need to become a priority. If building and fostering deeper relationships is a goal, then stepping outside your comfort zone and joining a book club or Bible study may be the first step. If having a career with purpose is a dream of yours, then perhaps you need to start taking steps toward building a career of your dreams.
Aligning our lives with our core values may be harder for some of you than others. I encourage you to keep a visible list of your values in front of you on a daily basis. Begin to evaluate how your life currently lines up or does not line up in each of the areas you have listed. Begin to make choices each day to move toward better alignment with your values. I am sure, that over time you will feel more fulfilled, purposeful and calmer when your life lines up with your core values.
Does all of this from the last three weeks seem completely overwhelming, or not even sure where to begin? Contact us to walk through this journey with you.
Watch our video to learn more about making decisions based on your core values:
https://youtu.be/2AUFzWcoBUY
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