Do you sometimes struggle with making decisions and commitments about your health … like … should I join the gym? Is it worth it to eat healthy? Can I really make a commitment to cut back on sugar?
What about financial decisions? Are you forever second-guessing that purchase? Or after you bought something do you realize you didn’t really need it?
And what questions do you ask yourself about your spiritual life? Do I really have time to consistently spend time with God? I talk with Him throughout the day. Shouldn’t that be enough?
Did you know that knowing your values in life can help make decisions and commitments easier?
Let me tell you a story about me.
Not too long ago, I moved to a new area. I decided I could save a few bucks by working out at home instead of joining a gym. And I did … sorta. I’d walk some and spend 15 minutes -- some days -- doing a light cardio with light weights and very little stretching. I didn’t have anyone to push me and I certainly wasn’t doing a very good job of pushing myself. Big tip here: if being motivated to work out on your own isn’t your thing, you need accountability. I had none.
I started noticing a difference and not in a good way. Suddenly, I struggled to lift a 40-pound bag of dog food. I struggled to walk up a hill at a good pace. I struggled with fatigue. I struggled with brain fog. I struggled with having the energy to keep up with my grandkids.
I just plain struggled.
Then, I starting reading, studying, and researching “living my values”. The more I became aware of the value of living a life based on values, the more I appreciated and benefited from my findings.
I went through a process to determine my values and realized being active and fit is a primary value of mine. I wasn’t becoming active and fit working out at home, so you would think joining a gym would be natural decision, right? Not necessarily because being financially responsible is another value of mine and gyms cost money. So, I rationalized, why can’t I be active and fit by working out at home, all while being financially responsible too? You see my dilemma? Two opposing values wrapped up in one situation.
Going through a second process (which, when done correctly, can change how you view everything and can change your life!) helped me realize that what I was currently doing wasn’t working and by joining a gym, I would fulfill other values of mine as well.
After going through this second process, I made the decision to join a gym and haven’t looked back. No buyer’s remorse and no regrets and why is that?
Because I made my decision and commitment based on my values.
We often live our lives based on the values society, family, friends, or co-workers has placed on us. Have you considered living your life based on your own values? No one can list your values for you.
They are just as unique as your fingerprints and nothing about them is wrong.
I encourage you to consider learning what your values are (most people don’t truly know their values) and living your life based on those values. I believe it will make life easier and more fulfilling. And who knows … those struggles you have? They may not completely vanish, but I’m guessing they will fade considerably!
Here’s to living a life based on your values!
