How to align your values with your actions
"When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier" - Roy E. Disney
Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my values, and it’s had a huge impact on how I approach my work.
Understanding what truly matters to me has not only helped me to stay grounded in my current projects but also to recognise whether new opportunities align with the kind of work I want to do. It’s been a powerful guide in making decisions that feel right, both professionally and personally.
In the third sector, so much of what we do is driven by values—whether we’re advocating for change, supporting a cause, or building a community initiative. Many individuals and organisations in this space are deeply values-led, and that’s what makes the work so meaningful. At the same time, staying connected to those values can be challenging, especially when you’re balancing the need to make a living.
Taking time to reflect on your values can be a powerful way to reset and realign. What do you care about most? What principles guide you? By clarifying these, you can create a vision that resonates, define meaningful goals, and establish priorities that keep you on track.
I’ve included a series of questions below, designed to guide you through identifying your core values, understanding how they shape your decisions, and considering how they can align with your actions to create meaningful impact. Take your time working through these prompts, and feel free to use the attached template to organise your thoughts and create a roadmap that feels authentic and actionable.
1. Clarify your values
What principles guide your decisions, even in tough situations?
Which values bring you the most fulfilment when you act on them?
Are your current values reflective of who you are now, or are they tied to the past?
If you need a little inspiration, I love Brené Brown’s list of core values here.
2. Make decisions that reflect your values
How can your values act as a filter for evaluating opportunities?
When faced with conflicting choices, how do your values help you decide?
Are there decisions you’ve made that felt out of alignment with your values? What can you learn from them?
3. Bring your values to life
Are there habits or practices you can adopt to live your values more intentionally?
What steps can you take to bring more alignment between your values and your work?
How can you use your values as a compass to reset or realign when life feels off track?
4. Lead with Your Values to Create Impact
What role do your values play in shaping your vision for social impact?
How can sharing your values encourage others to reflect on their own?
How does leading with your values create trust and connection in your work?
These are the values I try to live and work by. They keep me grounded, guide my decisions, and help me show up in a way that feels true to myself and the kind of impact I want to make.
I prioritise inner peace above all else.
I uphold mutual respect as a minimum standard.
I practice patience with myself and others.
I hope this exercise has given you a deeper understanding of your values and how they can guide your work and actions. I’d love to hear from you - feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments; your perspective might just inspire someone else on their journey!
Rachel x
Find my free resources on Substack and YouTube, take an online course, or work with me directly.