Lack of Aligment With One’s Core Values
As a life coach, I have found that a leading cause of discontentment among women is a lack of alignment with their core values. These are the values that create a woman’s essence. They serve as a compass pointing out what it means to be true to oneself. However, many women struggle to find a sense of their core values because they have been embracing values placed on them by others. Becoming disconnected from one’s values can leave a woman feeling empty and wondering if is this all there is to life. Does this sentiment ring true for you? If so, use the following exercise to unearth your core values.
Suppressed Values
To complete this exercise you will need to purchase index cards.
Step I –On each index card list circumstances when you were upset, frustrated, or angry. Write down the feeling associated with the circumstances and circle it.
Step II – Flip the index card over and write down the opposite meaning of the word you circled. The opposite word is the value being suppressed.
Example:
Circumstance: Doing the same thing day after day
Feeling: boredom
Opposite feeling: excitement
Suppressed value: Passion
Although this is a simple exercise, it truly can help you unearth the core values you have been suppressing.
Moving Into Alignment With Core Values
The neglect of the core value of passion can lead to a feeling of just exsiting in life versus living life to the fullest. However, when the value of passion is brought to the surface it can be recognized and explored. Questioning what brings you passion, or what in the past made you feel passionate could enable you to live a life filled with passion and purpose.
Failure to align with your core values can make you feel like a ship without a sail just tossing to and fro in life. As Ayn Rand, so eloquently stated, “Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one’s values.”
If you want a more in-depth approach to discovering your values I can assist you through the Pathway Process Value Sort Assessment™. Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.