6 Steps to Create Long Lasting Change
Have you ever felt like you're putting in all the effort but still not seeing the lasting change you desire? Trust me, I've been there. As women with big ambitions, we tend to take on a lot, frequently pushing our boundaries, managing work commitments, family life, and personal dreams simultaneously. But what if the secret to sustainable change isn't about doing more, but about aligning our actions with our deepest values?
Let me share a personal story with you.
My Journey to Alignment
A few years ago, I faced some health issues that were impossible to ignore. I knew something had to change, but I wasn't sure where to start. I began by reevaluating every aspect of my lifestyle:
Eating Habits: I looked at everything I was putting into my body.
Exercise Routine: I considered how I was staying active but not pushing too hard.
Stress Management: I assessed how I was coping with daily pressures.
Household Products: I even scrutinized the cleaning products I was using.
Medications: I questioned the pain relievers I relied on and the birth control methods I was using.
But here's the thing—I realized that simply changing my actions wasn't enough to achieve a complete lifestyle change that was going to last. I needed to dig deeper.
The Shift in Belief
I discovered while I was going through this journey, that one of my core beliefs was that I had no control over my health issues because they were genetic. I felt powerless, thinking, "I can't do anything about this."
But then, I saw Dr. Terry Wahls and her TED talk and found out about epigenetics—the study of how our behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work. This was a game-changer for me. It opened my eyes and made me realize that I had agency.
I shifted my belief to, "I have the power to change this."
With this new mindset, my actions began to align with my revised core values. I wasn't just going through the motions; I was committed on a deeper level. And guess what? The changes I made stick, and are still staying 10 years later.
Why Alignment Matters
You see, the alignment between core values and actions is not just a philosophical ideal; it is a practical necessity for high achievers like you. It enhances motivation, improves decision-making, increases satisfaction, fosters authenticity, activates flow, and builds resilience.
Change becomes sustainable when your actions are in harmony with your deepest values. Without this alignment, you'll experience friction, making it hard for any new habit to last. By ensuring that your actions reflect your core values, you can unlock your full potential and achieve extraordinary results and create lasting transformation.
So, what do you do to see if your actions are aligned with your core values?
Hit Pause and Reflect
Ask yourself:
What core values drive my decisions?
How aligned are my daily actions with these values amidst my busy schedule?
Steps to Align Your Actions with Your Values
1. Identify Your Core Values
Reflect on What Matters Most
Take a quiet moment to consider the principles that guide your life. What lights you up? What are your non-negotiables? (You can check this other blog if you want to know more about the importance of non-negotiables in your life)
Common Core Values to Consider:
Integrity
Growth
Connection
Health
Family
Creativity
Limit to Five
Narrowing down your list helps maintain focus and clarity. Write them down and keep them somewhere visible.
👉 Action Step: Jot down your top five core values.
2. Evaluate Your Current Activities
Conduct a Life Audit
List all your daily activities—yes, everything! From your morning routine to your evening wind-down.
Ask Yourself:
Which activities contribute to my core values?
Where am I spending time on things that don't align?
What can I eliminate or reduce?
👉 Action Step: Highlight activities that don't serve your core values and consider how to adjust them.
3. Make Conscious Decisions
Automate Decisions
Create routines that reflect your values. If health is a priority, schedule workouts the same way as you would with important meetings.
Set Clear Goals
Align your short-term and long-term goals with what you truly care about. Every step should move you closer to your bigger vision.
👉 Action Step: Plan your week with your core values in mind.
4. Implement Changes
Eliminate Low-Value Activities
Identify what's not serving you. Maybe it's mindless scrolling on social media or commitments that drain you.
Create a Personal Playbook
Develop a guide outlining your values, goals, and aligned actions. Refer to it daily to stay on track.
👉 Challenge: This week, choose one activity to eliminate or adjust to better align with your values.
5. Reflect and Adjust
Regular Check-Ins
Set aside time weekly or monthly to assess your alignment.
Be Open to Change
As you grow, your values may evolve. Stay flexible and adapt your actions accordingly.
👉 Action Step: Schedule a reflection session in your calendar.
6. Seek Support
Engage with a Community
Share your journey with friends, family, or a supportive group. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide accountability and encouragement.
Feedback Loop
Invite input from trusted people. An outside perspective can offer valuable insights.
👉 Action Step: Connect with someone who can support your journey.
Your Turn
What is one of the core values that you will use as a guide for you actions today? What's one small step you're taking today to live more intentionally? Maybe it's setting aside time for self-care, or perhaps it's saying "no" to something that doesn't align with your values.
I'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts or your top five core values in the comments below. Let me hear what inspires your journey toward a more aligned and fulfilling life.
Remember, aligning your actions with your core values isn't a one-time task; it's an ongoing process. Embrace it, stay committed, and watch as your life transforms in ways you've always imagined.
You've got this!
And as always, I have a couple of things I’d like to ask you.
One, If you found this helpful, please share with others. I really appreciate that.
And two, if you have comments or a specific topic you’d like to talk about, let me know.
I love hearing from you.
Until next one, take care.
Sofia