Prioritize what you value

Burnout isn’t just about feeling overworked or stressed. It can very often occur as a result of feeling disconnected from what truly matters to us. When our daily actions and commitments consistently don’t align with our core values, we’re setting ourselves up for a burnout meltdown. So today, we’ll explore how recognizing and prioritizing your values can not only prevent burnout but can also lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Okay so let’s start by defining what we mean by values. Values are the principles and beliefs that guide our decisions and actions. The things in our life that mean the most to us. They are deeply personal and can include things like family, health, relationships, creativity, financial security, or social impact. When the way we live our lives reflect our values, we experience a sense of harmony and satisfaction. When our lives and actions don’t reflect our values, we often feel like we’re on a treadmill going nowhere. Like everything we are doing is pointless & lacks purpose. 

Picture this: You’re working late yet again, tackling a never-ending to-do list. Your phone buzzes with an message from your boss asking for another report by morning. You glance at a photo of your family on your desk, feeling a pang of guilt because you’ve missed yet another dinner. Another bedtime story. The stress and feelings of anxiety builds, and you think to yourself, “Is this really what I want my life to look like?” Why am I constantly sacrificing my biggest non renewable resource, my time, for someone else? 

This is where the misalignment of values and actions becomes glaringly obvious. If you value family time but are constantly sacrificing it for work, the disconnect can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, and ultimately, burnout.

So, how do we break this cycle? The key lies in recognizing and prioritizing our values. But how do we identify our values, and how can we ensure they guide our daily actions?

Let’s break it down into a few actionable steps.

Step 1: Identify Your Core Values

First, take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What are the principles you want to live by? What brings you joy and fulfillment? You might find it helpful to list your values and rank them in order of importance. This exercise can be a real eye-opener. You may have a rude awakening when you see the  discrepancies between what you value and how you currently spend your time.

For example, if you value health but find yourself constantly skipping workouts & ordering take out because of work deadlines, that’s a clear sign of misalignment.

I also want to say here that if you’ve been feeling burnt out and depleted for so long that you are no longer clear on what you truly value that is okay! What a beautiful opportunity to get curious. What were the things in your life that used to make you feel alive? What do you want your non negotiable to be? Start writing those out and I bet a new set of core values will flow out of you very quickly. 

Step 2: Evaluate Your Current Commitments

Next, look at your current commitments and activities. Do they align with your values? Are there areas where you’re spending time and energy on things that don’t reflect what you care about? This might include work tasks, social obligations, relationships or even hobbies that no longer bring you joy.

Be honest with yourself. It’s okay to acknowledge that some commitments, even those that seemed important at one time, no longer serve your true priorities. That just means you’re evolving and changing and this is an incredibly beautiful thing! It’s simply about bringing awareness to what no longer serves you. 

Step 3: Make Necessary Adjustments

Once you’ve identified the misalignments, it’s time to make adjustments. This might mean setting boundaries at work, delegating tasks, or saying no to obligations that don’t fit with your values. It could also involve making more time for activities that do reflect your values, such as spending time with family, pursuing a passion, or prioritizing health focused activities like daily walks. 

Remember, this isn’t about making drastic changes overnight. Small, incremental steps can lead to significant improvements in how aligned your life is with your values.

Step 4: Communicate Your Priorities

It’s also important to communicate your values and priorities to those around you. Let your colleagues, family, and friends know what matters to you and why. This can help set realistic expectations and foster support from those who matter most. It also creates a network of accountability, ensuring you stick to your new, value-driven commitments.

Okay so let’s recap. Burnout often stems from a disconnect between what we value and how we spend our time. By identifying and prioritizing our core values, we can make conscious choices that align our actions with what truly matters to us. This alignment not only helps prevent burnout but also fosters a more fulfilling and purpose driven life.

Remember, it’s never too late to start making changes. Take one small step today towards living a life that reflects your values, and watch how it transforms your energy and overall wellbeing. Prioritizing what you value shouldn’t feel like a luxury—it is essential for your health & happiness. 

K xo