Wellness Wednesday – “Tapping Into What’s Important”
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
In this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds His followers to commit their hearts to things that truly matter. He speaks of treasuring what is eternal over what is temporary. It’s a timeless lesson in focusing on what holds lasting value. For us, this starts with reflecting on what we value most and living in alignment with those values.
Our values reflect what we hold dear, representing our hearts and the core of who we are. Values are the guiding forces that shape our lives, influencing our decisions, our purpose, and even our well-being. When we know our values and live by them, we experience a more profound sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Values and Needs: Are They Aligned?
Before living out our values, it’s essential to meet our basic needs. Sometimes, we may feel torn between what we truly value and our immediate needs. Yet, living in alignment with our values can be a powerful force, offering intrinsic motivation to achieve our goals.
For example, one of my coaching clients expressed his desire to improve his physical wellness. When I asked him, “What makes this goal important to you?” he shared that he wanted to be able to crawl around and play with his grandkids in ten years. By tapping into his values—family and being present for his loved ones—this goal shifted from a “push” goal to a “pull” goal. It wasn’t about forcing himself into a routine; it was about being drawn to a healthier lifestyle by what he deeply treasured.
Finding Clarity: Are You Living Your True Values?
Sometimes, we find ourselves running on autopilot, allowing life to dictate our actions. Without clarity about our values, we might feel that life is running us instead of the other way around. Alternatively, we might end up aligning ourselves with values that don’t truly represent us, creating a disconnect and, often, frustration.
If any of this resonates, take a moment to reflect:
- Are you unclear about what is truly important to you?
- Do you feel a need for internal motivation to achieve your wellness goals?
- Do you sense that life is running you rather than you running your life?
If the answer is “yes” to any of these, take the first step by downloading this Values Clarification Exercise. This exercise can help you identify and align your life with what truly matters, making room for a life filled with purpose, motivation, and greater well-being. Take time to reflect and identify the 3-5 values that represent what is truly important to you and ultimately in your faith walk with Jesus. Then consider the following questions:
- How can you live a life more aligned with these values?
- How can you tap into these values to create intrinsic motivation for your wellness goals?
- What needs must be met first so you can start living according to what’s truly important in your life?
- Who can support you in keeping the main things in your life the main things?
Start this journey of self-reflection today, and let’s treasure what’s truly important!