Finding Your Anchor: Living Your Value in Uncertain Times
Uncertainty is inescapable. An ordinary part of life. But the past few years have intensified its impact for all of us. Political unrest, climate change, and economic instability have left many feeling untethered. For professional women juggling careers, relationships, and personal well-being, uncertainty can take a heavy toll, leading to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
While we can’t control external events, we can ground ourselves in what truly matters—our values. When we identify and prioritize our core values, they serve as a compass, guiding us through turbulent times and helping us make decisions with clarity and confidence. This post explores how to uncover your values and integrate them into daily life, offering a roadmap to navigate uncertainty with purpose.
The Emotional Weight of Uncertainty
Uncertainty doesn’t just create stress—it erodes our sense of stability and control. For women, this often manifests as heightened workplace pressures, caregiving responsibilities, and societal expectations. The constant juggling act can lead to feelings of powerlessness, exhaustion, and disconnection from what truly matters.
Systemic challenges such as pay inequity, limited career advancement, and disproportionate caregiving expectations only amplify these struggles. The added burden of societal expectations—being a caregiver, excelling in the workplace, and maintaining relationships—can lead to internalized pressure that further exacerbates stress. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, disengaged, or questioning your direction, you’re not alone. The good news is that reconnecting with your core values can restore a sense of agency and purpose.
Why Values Matter More Than Ever
Values are the deeply held principles that shape our beliefs, priorities, and actions. They influence how we approach challenges, interact with others, and define success. When we live in alignment with our values, we feel more authentic, confident, and fulfilled. Conversely, when our actions contradict our values—whether due to external pressures or self-doubt—it can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, and emotional exhaustion.
By clarifying your values, you create a reliable internal compass that can help you navigate difficult decisions, manage stress, and cultivate resilience. When faced with an overwhelming number of choices or competing demands, having a clear understanding of your values allows you to prioritize what truly matters, making it easier to say “yes” to meaningful opportunities and “no” to distractions.
Identifying Your Core Values
Understanding your values requires reflection. A great place to start is by using a self-assessment tool. The Personal Values Assessment (PVA) by the Barrett Values Centre is a free tool designed to help individuals identify their core values and understand how they influence decision-making and well-being.
In addition to the assessment, consider these reflective exercises:
Recall peak moments: Think of times in your life when you felt truly fulfilled. What values were present in those moments?
Identify triggers: Reflect on situations that frustrate or upset you. Often, these reactions indicate that an important value is being challenged.
Narrow your list: Review a list of common values (e.g., integrity, connection, creativity, justice) and select the top five that resonate most with you.
Journal or discuss: Writing about your values or talking with a trusted friend or therapist can provide further clarity.
Visualize your ideal self: Envision the person you want to become. What principles define this version of you?
Living Your Values in Daily Life
Once you’ve identified your values, the next step is integrating them into your daily life. Here’s how you can align your values with different aspects of your life:
At Work
Align career decisions with values: If fairness is a core value, consider how you advocate for equitable policies or fair treatment within your workplace.
Set boundaries: If balance is important to you, be intentional about limiting after-hours work and prioritizing rest.
Lead with integrity: Whether managing a team or collaborating with colleagues, embodying your values fosters trust and professional fulfillment.
Find purpose in your work: Even if your current job isn’t your dream role, look for ways to bring your values into your daily tasks.
At Home
Design routines that support your values: If personal growth is essential, carve out time for reading, learning, or creative pursuits.
Foster intentional relationships: Approach interactions with loved ones through the lens of your values, whether it’s honesty, kindness, or presence.
Practice self-compassion: Living by your values doesn’t mean perfection—it means making conscious, meaningful choices that reflect who you are.
Create a home environment that aligns with your values: This might include simplifying clutter, setting family traditions, or prioritizing meaningful conversations.
In the World
Engage in values-aligned action: This might mean volunteering, donating, or advocating for causes that resonate with your principles.
Be mindful of information consumption: Choose media sources that inform and empower rather than overwhelm.
Recognize the power of small actions: Not every contribution needs to be grand—consistent, values-driven choices add up to meaningful impact.
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals: Connecting with communities that share your values can provide support and encouragement.
Navigating Stress with a Values-Based Approach
When uncertainty brings stress, returning to your values can provide clarity. Consider these questions when facing difficult decisions:
Does this align with my core values?
Will this action bring me closer to the kind of person I want to be?
Am I making this choice out of fear, or from a place of integrity?
Additionally, grounding techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or journaling can help reinforce your values-based approach to stress management. Another helpful strategy is practicing gratitude—acknowledging the moments when you have successfully aligned with your values can reinforce your commitment to them.
Moving Forward with Clarity and Purpose
Uncertainty is a given, but losing yourself in it is not. By identifying and honoring your values, you create an anchor that keeps you steady, no matter how chaotic the world becomes.
Take a moment today to complete the Personal Values Assessment and reflect on one small action you can take to align your life with your core values. Even in times of uncertainty, you can choose how you show up for yourself, your loved ones, and the world.
Your values are more than just words—they are the foundation of your resilience and strength. By making choices rooted in what truly matters to you, you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
