Finding Your Way Back: How Your Values Can Guide You in Uncertain Times
There’s a moment, in the middle of the mess, where everything feels like too much. Life shifts unexpectedly—work changes, relationships evolve, priorities get rearranged—and suddenly, you feel unmoored. The things that once made sense don’t anymore, and the question rises: Where do I go from here?
When everything feels chaotic, it’s tempting to grasp for quick fixes. More lists. More productivity hacks. More distractions. But what if the answer isn’t found in doing more—but in coming back to what’s already inside you?
That’s where your values come in. Not as abstract concepts, but as a compass that can help you find clarity, stability, and connection—even in the most challenging times.
1. Values Provide Direction When You Feel Lost
When you’re standing at a crossroads, uncertain about which way to go, your values act as an internal GPS. They remind you of what truly matters—not what society says should matter, not what the world expects of you, but what’s meaningful to you.
If you feel disconnected or overwhelmed, ask yourself:
Which decision aligns with my values?
What would I choose if I weren’t afraid of disappointing others?
How do I want to feel at the end of this?
Values create clarity. They help you cut through the noise and make choices that feel true to who you are.
Try This: Next time you're struggling with a decision, write down your top three values and weigh each option against them. Which choice best aligns with them? That’s your answer.
Not sure what your values are? Read on to find out.
2. Values Keep You Grounded When Life Feels Uncertain
We live in a world that is constantly shifting, and uncertainty can feel exhausting. But here’s the thing: circumstances change—your values don’t.
When life feels overwhelming, grounding yourself in your values can help you regain stability. If you value creativity, carve out space for small creative moments each day. If you value family, prioritize time with loved ones. If growth is important to you, focus on learning something new rather than trying to control the uncontrollable.
Try This: Identify one small action you can take daily that reflects your core values. It doesn’t have to be grand—just consistent.
3. Values Help You Build Deeper, More Authentic Connections
When you live in alignment with your values, you naturally attract people and communities that reflect them. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from those around you, it may be because you’re engaging in spaces that don’t align with what truly matters to you.
Values create belonging. They help you find people who see the world in a way that resonates with you.
Try This: If you feel isolated, seek out groups, events, or communities that center on your values. Love social impact? Join a volunteer project. Value creativity? Find a writing or art group. Want more adventure? Sign up for that outdoor retreat. Connection follows when you align your actions with what matters.
How to Discover Your Core Values
Values aren’t always something we name—they’re something we live. But if you want to understand yours more deeply, try this:
Observe Your Actions: Where do you naturally spend your time and energy? What do you prioritize, even when life is busy?
Listen to Your Stories: The moments that made you proud, the experiences that frustrated you, the things that bring you deep joy—these all reveal what you truly care about.
Ask Reflective Questions: What would you do if money weren’t an issue? What do you want to be remembered for? What feels deeply fulfilling?
Living Your Values: Small Shifts That Make a Big Impact
Start Your Day with Intention
If creativity is a value, spend 10 minutes sketching or writing. If growth is important, read a few pages of an insightful book. Start the day in alignment, even in small ways.
Use Your Values for Decision-Making
When faced with a choice, ask: Which option best aligns with my values? If learning is a core value, say yes to that workshop over another evening of mindless scrolling.
Make Daily Micro-Connections
If family is a value, send a quick text or voice note to a loved one. If community matters, reach out to someone you admire and start a conversation.
Prioritize Tasks That Reflect Your Values
Instead of tackling your to-do list at random, organize it based on your values. If you value excellence, focus on quality over quantity. If integrity is key, prioritize honest conversations and meaningful work.
End Your Day with Reflection
Each night, write down one way you lived your values. It could be something as small as choosing kindness over frustration or speaking up when something felt misaligned.
Why Coaching Can Help You Align With Your Values
Values work isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a lifelong practice. An ethical and certified coach can help you:
Discover What Truly Matters: Through guided exploration, coaching helps you uncover your values and how they show up in your life.
Turn Insight into Action: Knowing your values is one thing—living them daily is another. A coach helps you create practical strategies to integrate them into your routine.
Stay Accountable: Values shift over time, and having a coach ensures you stay connected to what’s most important as life evolves.
Your Values Are Your Guide Home
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected, come back to your values. They are the steady foundation beneath you, the quiet voice reminding you of who you are and what truly matters.
This isn’t about self-improvement—it’s about self-alignment. You don’t have to be more, do more, or change who you are. You just have to listen to what’s already inside you.
What values are guiding you right now?
Our 1:1 Coaching Sessions are designed to provide you with the space to reconnect with what truly matters to you.
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected, Your values can guide you back. Book a 90-minute Values Mapping Session to explore the core values that anchor you—helping you cut through the noise, make clearer decisions, and reconnect with what truly matters. Whether you're navigating uncertainty or simply want to feel more aligned, this session will bring clarity, stability, and direction.
