Lost the Plot? Let’s Talk Values

Have you ever had that feeling like you’re just going through the motions—ticking boxes, running errands, replying to emails like a robot? Yep, same. Life can sometimes feel like a never-ending to-do list. And when that happens, we often lose sight of something pretty important: what actually matters to us.

That’s where values come in. Not the small print you look for on supermarket tags (or is that just me), but the kind that help you live a meaningful, satisfying life. Your real values. The inner compass stuff.

So… What Are Values?

Values are the things that matter deeply to you—not because someone told you they should, but because they feel right in your bones. They’re the qualities you want to embody and the direction you want your life to move in.

Think of them like a GPS for your life. They don’t tell you exactly where to go (that’s goals), but they do tell you how to travel. You might value kindness, creativity, adventure, honesty, connection—whatever resonates with you. Values aren’t about perfection or being "good," they’re about showing up in a way that feels true to you.

How Are Values Different From Goals?

This trips people up sometimes. Let’s break it down with a metaphor.

Imagine you're sailing.

• Values are the direction you're sailing in—like heading east toward a sunrise.

• Goals are the islands you visit along the way.

  
  

You might not always reach a specific island (thanks, life!), but as long as you’re heading in your chosen direction, you’re still on track.

Why Do Values Matter?

Because without them, we can end up lost. Living a life where we're thinking, "how the hell did I get here?". We get caught up in autopilot mode—scrolling, stressing, surviving—and wonder why we feel disconnected or restless.

Living in line with your values, even in small ways, brings a sense of purpose. It’s not about grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as sending a text to check in on a friend (connection), pausing to enjoy a quiet moment with your morning coffee (mindfulness), or setting boundaries at work (self-respect).

What Happens When We Drift From Our Values?

Welcome to the human experience.

We all get pulled off course sometimes—by fear, by stress, by the endless demands of life. Maybe you start people-pleasing even though you value authenticity. Or you avoid tough conversations even though you value honesty. It happens. The trick isn’t to live perfectly, but to notice when you’re drifting and gently steer back.

How Do I Figure Out My Values?

Great question. Here are a few prompts to get you started:

• What really matters to me?

• What kind of person do I want to be?

• What do I want to stand for in tough moments?

• When do I feel most alive or most like “me”?

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You can also think about role models. Who inspires you, and what do you admire about them?

And hey, if you want a little help with this, values clarification is something we love doing at BetterSpace.

Values in Everyday Life

The cool thing about values is that they don’t require your life to be perfect. You can live your values even when things are hard. Especially when things are hard.

Feeling anxious? You can still choose to be present and kind.

Going through a rough patch? You can still act with courage and compassion.

Burnt your toast? You can still text your friend back (after yelling at the toaster).

Every choice is an opportunity to step toward the kind of life you want.

Final Thoughts

Values aren’t fluffy self-help jargon—they’re real, practical tools for navigating life with more direction and meaning. When you know your values, decisions get easier. Life feels less random. And even the rough patches have a bit more clarity.

So… what matters to you? And how might you take one small step in that direction today?

📍 Want help clarifying your values or living in line with them? At BetterSpace Wellbeing Clinic, we help people reconnect with what matters and build meaningful lives—one mindful, intentional step at a time.

🧭 Read more at www.betterspacewellbeing.com/blog