When Your Life Doesn’t Match Your Values: It's Time to Realign

We all say we want freedom, flexibility, impact, or presence…

But too often, our daily reality doesn’t match the values we claim to live by. And when that gap gets too wide? It’s not just frustrating — it’s soul-crushing.

Misalignment isn’t just inconvenient. It’s a slow form of self-betrayal. If your calendar, energy, career, or business model constantly contradict your values, it’s time for a reset.

Here are three real-world ways to close the gap and start living in alignment again:

Audit Your Calendar Through the Lens of Your Values

• Take a look at last week’s schedule. Ask yourself:

  • Did I spend time on what I say matters most?

  • Where did I say “yes” out of guilt or fear, not alignment?

  • What would my week look like if I were living by my real priorities?

Create Your Personal Growth Calendar

Something I like to call Luck By Design, where each moment is aligned to your values (e.g., business growth, relationships, well-being, etc.) — and see what’s actually getting the most attention. Always evaluate and note every time you say yes to a misaligned ask or task. (e.g., client, overwork, or another “just this once” compromise) This is you reinforcing a version of success that isn’t yours.

Make a “No More” List

Write down behaviors and patterns you’re done tolerating. Put it where you can see it. Let it guide your decisions. (e.g., extra work without compensation, tasks that take time away from your family)

Redefine Success in One Clear Sentence

Forget society’s metrics. What does success look and feel like to you — practically?

Success might be: "Success, for me, means building a business around work I deeply believe in — where I use my strengths to serve others in a meaningful way, earn enough to live with freedom and ease, and still have the time and energy to be fully present with the people and moments that make life rich.” When your definition is clear, your decisions get easier. Write your personal success statement. Use it as a filter for every opportunity, commitment, or strategy going forward.

Your values don’t mean anything if they never show up in your life. Alignment isn’t a luxury — it’s how you build a worklife that doesn’t steal your soul.

FREEBIE ALERT

If any of this hits home — I made something for you.

It’s called Build A Life, Not A LinkedIn; it breaks down everything we covered in this blog and gives you clear prompts so you don't have to write anything down.

➡️ You can download it for free HERE

🎧 I also have a podcast on this topic. Take a listen to E120: Build A Life Not a Linkedin: How to Get Clear about Your Work and Life HERE