The Life Compass – Navigating Life with Values

Your Internal Compass

Navigating Life’s Crossroads with Values-Driven Action

Overview

When life gets complicated, your values act like a compass—pointing you toward the kind of person you want to be and the life you want to live. Unlike goals, which can be completed, values are ongoing directions. They help you make tough decisions, stay grounded when things get messy, and take steps that align with what truly matters to you.

Jump to a section:

1.  Watch the Video – A quick primer on why values work like a compass at life’s crossroads.
2.  Listen to the Audio Conversation – Practical ways to turn values into small, doable actions.
3.   Read the Full Guide – Core ideas, three mini-exercises, and steps to navigate values conflicts.
4.  Explore our Values Activity– See where your actions land on the values bullseye.

Notes on the Audio and Video

The audio and video on this page were created with Google NotebookLM using information we provided. We cannot edit them after they are generated, so a few points may require clarification:

• Some phrases or interpretations may differ slightly from how we would normally explain these ideas.
• When the content refers to biology “creating meaning” or a “sense of security,” please note: biology plays a key role in safety responses, but meaning-making and the felt sense of security arise through higher-level relational framing in our consciousness—not from biology alone.

For our full intent and definitions, please read the full guide below.

Your Internal Compass (Video)

In this short video, you’ll learn the difference between goals and values and how values help you choose the next wise step—especially at a crossroads.

Key points in the video:

• Values are directions, not destinations.
• Pain can point to what you care about.
• Small, consistent actions build a values-aligned life. Duration: ~7 minutes

Listen: Navigating with Values (Audio)

Topics we cover:

• Finding clarity when life feels uncertain
• Flipping pain into a pointer toward purpose
• Making one small, values-consistent move today

Duration: ~27 minutes

 

Read: Full Guide

Values vs. Goals

Goals are destinations (e.g., graduate, run a 5K, buy a home). Values are directions (e.g., learning, health, growth, contribution). When a goal is met or lost, values remain. They’re always available to guide your next step.

Clarifying Your Compass: 3 Mini-Exercises

1) Drawing Out Sweetness

Recall a “sweet” moment when you felt alive, supported, or connected. Relive the details (who, what, where, feelings). Sketch a simple picture of that moment. Then ask: Which qualities was I living? What values does this reveal? Post your sketch where you’ll see it daily.

2) Flipping Pain Into Purpose

Pick an area of life where you feel stuck or hurt. Write the painful thought/feeling. Ask: “What would I have to not care about for this not to hurt?” Let the answer reveal the value inside the pain. Reframe: “If I feel [pain], let it remind me I care about [value].”

3) I’ve Got a Secret

Choose one small, values-driven act you can do in secret (no credit, no audience). Do it. Afterwards, write for 10 minutes: What was it like to act only for what I value? What does this suggest about how I want to live?

Common Values to Explore

Authenticity (being true to yourself), Connection (being present with others), Compassion (kindness), Courage (persisting despite fear), Growth (learning/stretching), Love (expressing care), Contribution (helping/serving/giving back).

Which 3–5 values do you most want to guide your actions right now?

When Values Collide

Sometimes two important values pull in opposite directions—like honesty vs. self-care, or loyalty vs. fairness. Try this 5-step approach:

1. Name the life domain (work, family, health, etc.).
2. Identify the two values in conflict.
3. Remember values shift—sometimes one steps forward, another steps back.
4. Brainstorm small ways to honor both.
5. Practice self-compassion—value conflicts are hard, and kindness matters.

Take Your Next Step

Choose one value that matters today. Ask:

“What is one small, concrete action I can take in the next 24 hours to live this value?”

Write it down. Put it on your calendar. Let your values be your compass.

Want to Go Deeper?

• Download our Interactive Values Activity– Explore your values visually with the bullseye exercise.

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