Living by Your Values: How to Reset Your Compass
- Kim Levings
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
When life feels off course, it’s rarely because of one big mistake. More often, it’s a slow drift. We compromise here, overcommit there, and before long, our choices no longer reflect what matters most. That’s values drift.
Why Values Drift Happens
We live in a noisy world. Work pressures, family responsibilities, and cultural expectations pull at us from every side. Without realizing it, we start chasing what’s urgent instead of what’s important.
It’s like steering a boat without noticing the tide. You don’t feel the drift at first—but eventually, you look up and realize you’re far from where you meant to go.
And when we lose sight of our values, the effects run deep:
We feel misaligned. Life may look successful, but inside it doesn’t feel authentic.
We burn out faster. Without values as an anchor, effort feels like striving instead of fulfillment.
We lose clarity. Decisions become scattered, and even small choices feel heavy.
We miss what matters most. Faith, family, or health take a backseat while lesser things drive the day.
That’s the cost of drifting.
Stella’s Story
Stella had built her whole identity around her career. She worked long hours, sacrificed family time, and measured her worth by her job title. Then one day, the company restructured—and her position was gone.
Suddenly adrift, she realized her life had been built around performance, not purpose. Her true values—creativity, service, and connection—had been buried under deadlines and ambition.
That moment of loss became a moment of clarity. Instead of rushing to replace her job, she paused to ask: What really matters to me?
That simple question became her reset. For the first time in years, Stella began designing her life around her values, not her résumé.
Where am I going?
Phase 3 of the Life Reset journey is about answering one question: Where am I going?
It’s not about setting goals for the sake of achievement—it’s about realigning your purpose and values so your direction matches your design.
Values are your compass. They point you back to the life God designed for you to live. When you realign with them, you regain clarity, confidence, and courage for the road ahead.
A Simple Values Exercise
Try this practical reset today:
List your top five values. Examples: faith, family, growth, integrity, service, adventure.
Reflect on alignment. For each value, ask: Am I living this daily—or just wishing I was?
Choose one shift. Pick one small adjustment to live that value this week.
If health is a value, take a daily walk.
If family is a value, plan a tech-free dinner.
Small, intentional steps stop the drift and bring you back into alignment.
Reset Your Compass
Living by your values doesn’t just feel good—it gives you direction. It helps you say yes to what matters and no to what doesn’t.
When your values lead, your life finds rhythm again.
Explore the Life Reset Experience to go deeper. Discover who you are, heal your story, and design your next chapter with renewed purpose, values, and vision.
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