Living True to Your Values

This quote struck me when I read it this week - and immediately knew what I wanted to write in this newsletter!

"there can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do."

Perhaps that sounds a little extreme, but I really think if you dig into this, there is so much truth to it.

Whenever I find myself making choices or indulging in behaviors that don't align with either what I truly believe in, or my deeper values, I usually end up disappointed in myself.

Perhaps those behaviors or actions were things that felt good in the moment, but if you keep indulging in things that feel good in the moment without comparing it to your ideal choices or lifestyle, then inevitably you find yourself at the conclusion of those choices.

And when I am making actions that align with what I believe in, I end up happier. Not just because the outcomes are usually in my favor - but more importantly, because I am being true to who I am and who I want to be.

For example, when I go to bed earlier, I wake up more refreshed for work, I am a better trainer, and then I feel happier because I have a sense of pride in being good at what I do! (Not to mention I'm just happier in general when I get enough sleep, aren't we all!?)

For this to work as a behavior change strategy, you have to get clear on the type of person you want to be.

What values do you want to live by? What goals do you want to accomplish on a daily basis? What actions and behaviors would that version of you do? What actions and behaviors would that version of you avoid or do minimally?

Now compare that to your current actions and behaviors...what needs to stay the same? What would you like to change or enhance? What barriers are in the way of those actions?

It's also possible that what we believe in is no longer serving us, and we need to alter our beliefs.

For example. I encounter clients who believe that the only way to see results in the gym is to continually add more intensity and more volume and never take a day off.

You can believe that all you want, but the truth is going hard all the time with no rest is NOT the recipe for success in the gym, in the long run. In that case, it might be time to re-evaluate your beliefs and align them with reality.

Reflection and work are always required for us to continually grow and evolve.

Success is never linear and our lives are always changing and can be somewhat unpredictable at times.

Finding the ability to clearly discern whether you are engaging in an action that aligns with your beliefs and values or not can be helpful in navigating a life that is true to who you are and who you want to be, regardless of the outcome.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or thoughts!

In health & happiness,

Cora-Ann =)

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