Introduction to Core Values: The Driving Force of Our Actions

Defining the Engine of Our Existence

In order to live a life that is truly full, good, and balanced, it is essential that we learn to satisfy something we call our core values.

These core values are nothing other than the true engine of our existence, what we wake up with a purpose for every morning.

They are the deepest and often unconscious reason why we do the things we do, guiding our decisions and behaviors in a very powerful way.

The process of discovering what these values are is a journey of self-reflection that allows us to understand what truly moves us in life.

Understanding them is the first step to aligning our actions with our most authentic selves, which is the basis for an existence with much less internal conflict.

Values Dissatisfaction as a Source of Stress

The problem arises when these core values are not satisfied in our daily lives, which inevitably makes us feel uncomfortable, annoying, and deeply stressed.

This feeling of discomfort is a clear sign that we are not getting what our lives truly need to find a state of balance and satisfaction.

The frustration we feel does not come from superficial whims, but from the fact of not being able to obtain what deep down we need to experience.

This internal emptiness is one of the most common sources of chronic stress, since we live in a constant dissonance between our actions and our deepest needs.

Identifying which value is not being met is, therefore, one of the most effective tools to begin to dismantle the cause of our anxiety.

The Crucial Difference Between "Wanting" and "Needing"

It is essential to understand that the things that truly stress us out are not those we simply want, but those that deep down we need.

For example, it is important to ask yourself if a value like freedom is something you want in your life or if it is something you fundamentally need to feel fulfilled.

Many of us desire financial freedom or the freedom to manage our time, but for some, this is not a preference, but a vital necessity.

When a fundamental need like this is not met, the result is a feeling of suffocation and pressure that manifests directly as a high level of stress.

Differentiating between our desires and our essential needs is, therefore, an exercise in clarity that allows us to understand the true origin of our greatest frustrations.

The Path to Self-Knowledge of Values

It is understandable that at first you may not be clear about what your fundamental values are, and that this uncertainty can, in itself, cause you some distress.

However, you must remain calm and patient, as you have just begun a process of self-discovery that requires time, dedication, and honest self-reflection.

There are tools and workbooks specifically designed to help you reflect on those things that are important and why you wake up to every day.

These resources will allow you to analyze whether the values presented here are truly the driving force behind your actions, or if there are others that are more important to you.