Have you ever chased a goal, reached it, and then thought, “Wait, why doesn’t this feel as amazing as I thought it would?” Trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—hustling from one achievement to the next, hoping each one would bring that lasting happiness we’re all searching for. Spoiler alert: It didn’t.
That’s when I realized that maybe it’s not about the next big accomplishment. Maybe true fulfillment comes from something deeper—living a life that’s aligned with our core values.
In this post, I want to share one of my core principles: the difference between living a values-based life and an accomplishment-driven life, and how embracing your core values can lead to genuine happiness.
What Is a Values-Based Life?
A values-based life is all about making choices that reflect who you truly are. It’s about tuning into what genuinely matters to you and letting those values guide your decisions, rather than just following the crowd or ticking off society’s checkboxes.
Key Aspects of a Values-Based Life:
- Authenticity: You do what’s right for you, even if it’s not what’s expected.
- Fulfillment: You find deep satisfaction in actions that resonate with your true self.
- Consistency: Your decisions align with your core values, bringing coherence to your life.
- Purpose: You live with a clear sense of meaning and direction.
- Resilience: Staying connected to your values helps you navigate challenges with grace.
Examples:
- If compassion is a core value, you might volunteer at a local shelter or choose a career in social work.
- If you value creativity, you might carve out time to paint, write, or engage in any form of artistic expression that lights you up.
What Is an Accomplishment-Driven Life?
An accomplishment-driven life focuses on achieving specific goals, often defined by external measures of success like job titles, salaries, or social status. While setting and reaching goals can be exciting, it becomes a problem when those achievements aren’t aligned with what truly matters to you.
Key Aspects of an Accomplishment-Driven Life:
- Goal-Oriented: You’re constantly setting and striving for measurable objectives.
- External Validation: Success is measured by societal standards—promotions, awards, status.
- Performance Focus: The emphasis is on productivity and results over personal satisfaction.
- Achievement Satisfaction: Happiness is tied to reaching the next milestone.
- Potential Burnout: Without alignment to your values, this constant striving can lead to stress and exhaustion.
Examples:
- You accept a high-paying job that doesn’t fulfill you because it looks impressive on paper.
- You pursue a degree or certification because you think you “should,” not because you’re passionate about it.
Why Aligning with Your Values Matters
When you live in sync with your values, something magical happens. Your actions start to reflect who you truly are, and that brings a sense of peace and fulfillment that’s hard to find elsewhere.
On the flip side, chasing accomplishments without considering your values can lead to:
- Emptiness: Achievements might feel hollow if they don’t resonate with your true self.
- Burnout: Constantly pushing yourself toward goals that don’t fulfill you can drain your energy.
- Disconnection: You might start to feel lost or unsure of who you are beyond your accomplishments.
Balancing Both Approaches
Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with setting goals and celebrating accomplishments! The key is to make sure your goals are aligned with your values.
How to Integrate Both Approaches:
- Align Goals with Values: Make sure your goals reflect what’s genuinely important to you.
- Reflect on Purpose: Regularly check in with yourself to see if your actions align with your sense of purpose.
- Celebrate the Process: Find joy in the journey, not just the destination.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your efforts, even when things don’t go perfectly.
- Set Sustainable Goals: Aim for achievements that support your well-being and personal growth.
Examples:
- If community is one of your values, you might set a goal to organize local events that bring people together.
- If you value balance, you might strive to create a work-life schedule that allows time for both career success and personal relaxation.
Practical Steps to Start Living a Values-Based Life
- Identify Your Core Values:
- Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Journaling can be a great tool for this.
- Consider using a values worksheet to help clarify your priorities.
- Set Aligned Goals:
- Create goals that honor your values.
- Ask yourself, “Does this goal reflect who I am and what I care about?”
- Make Conscious Choices:
- Before making decisions, pause and consider how they align with your values.
- Trust your gut feelings—they’re often guiding you toward your true path.
- Reflect Regularly:
- Schedule time to check in with yourself.
- Celebrate successes that align with your values, no matter how small.
- Seek Support:
- Connect with like-minded people or a coach who can support your journey.
- Share your goals and values with others to build accountability.
Embracing Your Full Potential
By focusing on living a values-based life, you’re not just chasing success—you’re creating a life that feels right to you. Your achievements become a natural extension of who you are, and that brings a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment.
Ready to Reconnect with What Truly Matters?
If any of this resonates with you, and you’re feeling ready to make a change, I’d love to support you on this journey. Together, we can explore your core values, tackle those limiting beliefs, and chart a path forward that’s authentically yours.
jacey adler 
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