Values-Led Action: What Do You Mean?

Life often confronts us with a need to do things we don’t want to do. Maybe it's household chores, having a difficult conversation, giving up TikTok, studying for an exam, or tackling tedious admin tasks—those things that are uncomfortable, uninteresting, or unenjoyable.

Sometimes we believe that because certain actions are valued by others or society, we should also do them. But often, this is where we get stuck. We need to answer this question: What’s actually motivating for us? Despite feeling like we “should” do these things, sometimes the word "should" just isn’t enough to inspire action.

"Should" is poorly defined. Why should you?

To answer this, consider what the task you don’t want to do is in service of. Does it help you move toward the life you want to live? What’s most important to you in defining that life?

This is what we mean when we talk about values-led action. When we take action because it’s in service of what’s truly important to us—our values—we lead a life that feels meaningful. Values are what make the struggle worthwhile. They answer the question, Why should I?

Rather than suffering through an undesired task just for the sake of suffering, try aligning your actions with your core values. Remind yourself why the task is important in building the life you want to live.

Personally, I value health, authenticity, assertiveness, humour, freedom, genuine relationships, and many other things.

When we view those tasks we don’t want to do through the lens of our values, they shift from obstacles to opportunities for growth. They become the pathway to an outcome that’s meaningful to us.

Written by: Nikita Samiotis (Flow State Space Psychologist)