Chasing Happiness versus Living Your Values

Happiness is often seen as the ultimate goal. It’s what we strive for in our careers, relationships, and personal lives. We set goals thinking “Once I have this, then I’ll be happy.” But happiness, by nature, is unpredictable. Some days you feel it, and some days you don’t. It’s fleeting, dependent on circumstances that are often outside of your control.

But what if you could create a life that feels meaningful, regardless of your circumstances? What if your sense of peace and fulfillment didn’t depend on things going right but instead on something deeper—something internal?

This is the power of living your values.

When you align your actions with your core values, you create a sense of meaning and integrity that remains steady, even when life is uncertain. Unlike happiness, which comes and goes, living your values provides a compass—a guiding force that helps you navigate challenges with clarity and strength.

The Pitfall of Chasing Happiness

Society tells us to chase happiness. We see it in advertising, social media, and even self-help culture: Do what makes you happy. Follow your bliss. Be happy now. But this pursuit often leads to frustration.

Why?

✔️ If happiness is your goal, you may constantly adjust your life to seek more of it—leading to restlessness and dissatisfaction.
✔️ You might avoid challenges or discomfort, thinking that struggle means something is “wrong” with your life.
✔️ You may feel empty when happiness fades, leading to an endless cycle of chasing the next “high.”

Think about the last time you finally achieved something you thought would make you happy—maybe a promotion, a new relationship, or an exciting purchase. How long did that feeling last before your mind moved to the next thing?

Happiness, while wonderful, is a temporary state, not a foundation for a meaningful life.

The Power of Living Your Values

When you shift your focus from chasing happiness to living in alignment with your values, everything changes. Instead of relying on external circumstances to bring you joy, you create a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment from within.

Here’s what happens when you live your values:

✔️ You feel grounded even when life is uncertain. Your sense of self isn’t shaken by setbacks because you’re living with integrity.
✔️ Instead of avoiding discomfort, you move through it with purpose and strength. Challenges become opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles to happiness.
✔️ You don’t rely on external circumstances to feel whole. Instead of chasing highs, you cultivate a steady sense of peace from living intentionally.

Think of your values as anchors—they keep you steady even when life’s waves get rough.

An Invitation to Reflect

Instead of asking, “What will make me happy?” try asking:

🌿 Am I living in alignment with my values?
🌿 What choices reflect who I want to be?
🌿 What truly gives my life meaning?

Happiness may be a temporary feeling, but living in alignment with your values creates a deep, unshakable sense of purpose—no matter what life throws your way.

How to Start Living Your Values Today

If you’re unsure whether you’re living your values, try this simple 3-step reflection exercise:

1️⃣ Identify Your Core Values – What 3-7 principles guide your life? (e.g., honesty, growth, kindness, courage, faith, service)
2️⃣ Assess Your Daily Actions – Are your daily choices and behaviors aligned with these values?
3️⃣ Make One Small Adjustment – Choose one action today that better reflects your values—whether it’s speaking your truth, prioritizing a relationship, or setting a boundary.

The more you practice living your values, the less you’ll feel the need to chase fleeting happiness—because you’ll have something much more powerful: a meaningful life that feels right, no matter what.

Final Thoughts

Happiness is great, but it’s not the goal. A meaningful life isn’t about avoiding pain or chasing temporary joy—it’s about living in a way that reflects who you truly are.

When you anchor yourself in your values, you stop chasing and start being. And that, more than anything else, is what creates a deep, lasting sense of fulfillment.

What values will you choose to live by today? 🌿✨