Translating your core beliefs into core values, in order to evaluate the intention vs. the impact of your daily actions.
Image of painted eye. Adobe Stock Photography.
So, we went through a deeper understanding of core beliefs, what they are, why they are important and some exercises of discovery in order to determine where some rewiring might need to happen. Up next, core values.
We are going to go deeper into how our actions signal alignment or misalignment with our core values.
So what are core values? While core beliefs are things you believe about your self and the world around you, core values are qualities that are important to you as a person.
“A lot of the conflict you have in your life exists simply because you’re not living in alignment; you’re not be being true to yourself.” ― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You
This alignment is the key to feeling a sense of deeper meaning in your life. Identifying your core values is the place to go next after digging into your core beliefs.
Why? Simply put, if the actions you are taking in your life are not in alignment with your core values, you are giving away your power and may feel like a victim - like life is happening to you.
If you are operating from a place of core beliefs or core fears, then naturally your actions - if you truly observe them, will be aligned with creating and realizing your deepest fears and core beliefs.
I love this description from soulsalt.com:
Researchers confirm that when people have a clear set of core values:
It’s easier to make big life decisions around pursuing passions, long-term career goals, and relationships.
They are less likely to engage in destructive thought patterns, especially in difficult life situations.
They tolerate physical pain more easily.
They have greater self-discipline and focus when studying or working.
Social connections are stronger.
Um, sign me up.
When your values are aligned with your actions, personal integrity is achieved - and there is no greater feeling. The very definition of walking your truth.
You guessed it, it's journal prompt time!!
Take a look at this list of core values. Yes, there are a lot - but try not to overthink this. Scan them, and when you hit one that feels right for you, jot it down.
Create a list of 5-8 core values that rule supreme over the rest of the list.
Example:
Integrity
Truth
Love
Communication
Wisdom
Kindness
Creativity
Stability
These are mine, and yes - I could pull in about 5,000 more - but when I really sit with these - they are it.
Now let's talk about how to put these into action.
Step One:
Spend some time discovering the meaning of your core values, that feels right for you - define them. Hint: This doesn't have to be the text book definition, but rather - what resonates for you.
Example:
Integrity: Doing what I say I am going to do. Operating from a place of authenticity and honesty, regardless of how uncomfortable it makes me feel. Doing the right thing, especially when no one is watching.
This, is what integrity means to me.
Okay, your turn. I'll be right here waiting for your return! Grab a pen, or open up a digital notepad and get to work. This stuff only works, if you work it.
Step Two
Next up, after really defining your core values, it's time to spend some time taking a look at the actions in your life that you feel are out of alignment with how you've defined your core values. This is where the magic happens, and all the A-Ha moments.
Example:
Integrity based on my definition and the actions therein:
An example of an action that is out of alignment might be:
Saying yes to do something when my soul is screaming no, this won't be good for you and will drain you. Only to bail at the last minute instead of saying no to begin with - letting guilt override my integrity.
Result:
This feels so yuck. AND, now I've jeopardized my relationships - not only with the one who extended the invitation, but more importantly - with myself.
My intention was to act from a place of integrity, but the impact of my actions is far from it. I've signaled to myself that I am not willing to listen to what really feels right for me - and my actions aren't aligning with my intention.
Do this for each of your core values, where do you feel in alignment and where are some adjustments needed?
Bringing us to step three.
Step Three: Intention vs. impact.
This is the part where I am going to ask you to get EXTRA real. You can have all the intentions in the world to be operating from your core values, but if the impact and results in your life don't seem to be working as you 'planned' - then it's time for some adjustments to your day to day life and your decision making compass.
The truth lives here.
If creativity is a core value but you aren't making space in your life for creation because you are too busy 'doing' then you've let someone else's agenda take the wheel. Note - 'doing' is a form of creativity! In fact, 'doing' is a fantastic way to flow into the act of creation. What's important to pay attention to is who you are doing it for. Are you pouring your creativity into someone else's dream? Or your own? Food for thought hungry one.
I can't emphasize this enough. YOU ARE THE CREATOR.
You have the power to realign your actions to be in alignment with your core values. Sit with this daily over the next week, journal and reflect on how your day to day routines align with your core values (or don't) and then commit to small incremental changes to get back into the flow with what's truly important to you.
Let your loved one's know what you are putting your focus on, where you need support - it's always good to have one or two real one's in your life that aren't afraid to tell you when your actions aren't in alignment with what you've proclaimed as your core values.
Don't be annoyed by these people, they were put on your path to help you grow. If you aren't able to call yourself out on your own BS, then when someone else does you will react from a place of defensiveness, not open honest curiosity.
Stay curious my friends - observe your actions honestly and don't be afraid to make changes. Your life, and the life you dream of - depends on it. Don't be alarmed when the people, places, and things around you scream for a change - when it shows up, say thank you. These are the results, in action. Embrace the transitions and the blank pages in between chapter. If you know what needs to happen next, but fail to take action - you will feel greater anxiety and pressure. Speaking from experience on that.
You hold the paint brush, color outside the lines.
This is not about perfection, this is about awareness, honesty, surrender and action.
Love,
L