Life's inner GPS

Many of us have a tendency to live life somewhat on autopilot while focusing on the track, without stopping to consider whether we're actually on the right track. Humans are creatures of habit, thriving on routines and automation. However, it's also important for us to have a sense that our lives feel meaningful, and in this post, I invite you to pause and reflect on what truly makes your life worth living.

Our inner values act as a sort of internal GPS, guiding us in the choices we make and the things we invest time and energy in. Many of us aren't aware of our inner values, and some may only come into contact with them during major life changes or when going through a crisis.

Our inner values relate to:

• The things that truly matter to us deep down
• The person we aspire to be
• The way we perceive the world

When we become aware of our own values, we gain self-knowledge that we can use when we're in stressful situations, experiencing discomfort, doubt, or crisis. Here, knowledge of our own values can serve as a GPS we can navigate by. For instance, if you have an inner value related to living a climate friendly life, it might be a worthwhile investment to spend those extra minutes sorting waste diligently or paying a higher price for eco-friendly products. Or if you have an inner value about being helpful, it might be worth it to stay an extra half hour after the birthday to help with the cleaning. Those actions might not necessarily feel joyful in the moment they occur, but they will be fulfilling and meaningful to us. 

To discover your inner values, you can ask yourself questions like these:

• What's ultimately important to me?
• What do I want to be remembered for by people around me?
• What kind of friend/partner/parent do I want to be?
• If I could peel away fear and uncertainty, how would I spend my time and energy?

When we experience discomfort in the form of doubt, uncertainty, or fear, it can be immensely helpful to check if the discomfort arises from acting in line with our values. Doing so often leads to feelings of meaning, vitality, and joy, making it easier to accept the discomfort that may accompany us in the process.