Often we know WHAT we are doing and HOW we are doing it but not WHY. This has an impact on Identity and Sense of Self:
The problem of not being authentic – Loss of direction and motivation.
How you will see this in your life:
- Feeling less enjoyment in what you’re doing.
- Finding yourself putting off tasks as it’s hard to see the meaning.
- Having less energy generally and not wanting to get into work or do the tasks as it all feels like an effort.
- Not having goals to aim for and instead waiting for things to turn up.
- Feeling like you’re stuck in your job, relationships and life and not knowing what to do about it.
- Starting to compare yourself to others who have got a sense of purpose and seeing yourself as ‘less than’.
Understanding the Why
Our values are the deeply held principles that guide our behaviour and decisions. They are the foundation of our identity, shaping how we see ourselves and how we want to be seen by others. When our actions align with our values, we experience a sense of integrity and coherence, contributing to a strong and coherent sense of self.
In other words – Knowing what we believe in can help us to then take action in the light of this belief. We set goals that fit with our values and taking action is moving us in the direction of these values. Our goals are therefore less about success and failure and more about fulfilling our authentic desires. The journey is the goal, not an ending.
The solution – How to Live in Alignment with Our Values
Living in alignment with our values means that our daily actions, decisions, and interactions reflect what is truly important to us. This alignment fosters authenticity, as we are living true to ourselves rather than conforming to external expectations.
When I work with people I weave into the therapy what your goals are and also what matters to you. I use visualisation to determine what your perfect day looks like. I often give you tasks to do to identify your values in different areas of your life. This helps you then to set the goals that help you feel connected, make a difference, and reinforce the type of person you want to be.
Take time to reflect on when you feel more engaged – what makes this important to you. Start journaling to understand when you feel energised and when you feel depleted. Sharing your thoughts with others can be very empowering.
The focus on the why is even more powerful when working within a group. I am using some of the tools to address a lack of purpose and meaning into my upcoming Group programme and Retreats. Sharing the experiences of feeling stuck or rudderless can be helpful and validating. If you learn to let go of the negative feelings associated with not feeling useful or having something worthwhile and meaningful in your life right now, you have a space to reflect. You can see that you’re not alone and that others struggle with this too – you can then make a start on finding your Why.
AUTHENTICITY = knowing what we believe and acting from that self-belief, leading to a deeper sense of fulfilment.
To sign up for my new Programme – Here
Transformation and Fulfilment
As you work through the group programme or Retreat workshops you learn to integrate these changes of mindset and can achieve a profound shift in your sense of self. You learn what actions are now aligned with your values, fostering a greater sense of authenticity. And what actions are not – so letting go of the draining and unhelpful emotions to become more connected and inspired. This alignment brings about a deep sense of satisfaction and wholeness, enhancing your overall well-being.
You will know when this has happened when:
- You wake up feeling energised and ready for the day.
- You connect in an authentic way with others.
- You set meaningful goals that feel like a journey, not a destination.
- You have boundaries so that you do what fits with your values, learning to say no when necessary.
For more information about an immersive Retreat: Here
Values play a crucial role in shaping our identity and contributing to a coherent sense of self and why we do what we do. When we understand our why and live in alignment with our values, we experience greater authenticity, as our actions reflect our true beliefs and priorities. This alignment leads to a deeper sense of fulfilment, as we live a life that resonates with what truly matters to us.
