Is This Crisis Disrupting Your Core Values? Here’s How to Refocus

Core values give life definition, provide clarity, and serve as a compass helping to navigate how to move forward. Values seem easy to live when life is easy and we’re in a state of flow.

When we’re in challenging times, we often forget that our values can serve as a guiding post for how to navigate the toughest moments. With many of us affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been easy to disconnect from what is core to us.

Let’s face it—it’s been tough. Many people have been forced to work from home, university classes have been moved online and businesses are shutting down. You might feel stuck at home with nothing to do. Our lives have been disrupted. Naturally, this may leave you feeling anxious and in fear. Maybe it’s because the things you value are missing. 

It’s times like these that allow us to get in touch with what matters most. Whether you realize it or not, every moment of every day you are making decisions on how to spend your time. Are those actions in alignment with the things that are most important? 

Here’s an opportunity to reflect based on where you currently are:

1. What are your top five core values? If you’re unsure, check out James Clear’s list. Clear recommends choosing your top five. (Hint: if you have more than five, are they really priorities?)
2. How would you define each of them?
3. What actions can you take right now to live in alignment to each?

There are many ways in which we can live more consciously and in alignment with what matters most. Here are a few ways to be more mindful about staying congruent:

• Read your values to yourself in the morning when you wake up.
• Ask yourself “What would it look like to live in alignment with my values today?”
• Write your values down and put them in a place where you can see them daily. 
• Change the background of your phone or computer to be your values or something that reminds you of them. 
• Give yourself space and time to do activities that allow you to live your values. 
• Share your values with those that matter most to keep the conversation alive. 

Do not let your current circumstances stop you from living your values. Use this opportunity for goal setting and putting your values at the forefront of your life. Who knows, you might learn a thing or two about yourself. There’s no better time than now.