What does it mean to live in authentic alignment?
It means that the way you’re living is congruent—or in harmony—with:
- Your highest version of your Self
- Your truth
- Your values
- Your soul’s purpose
So, how do you live in authentic alignment?
A good place to start is uncovering your core values. These are the intentions you desire to live by. They guide your journey and shape who you are as a person. When you choose actions based on your core values, you are better able to align with your authentic self and experience greater joy, happiness, and success.
Take the time to determine what values are most important to you. Then, find ways to incorporate those values into your life. When you organize your day to reflect the values that are meaningful to you, alignment will follow. Here’s a simple way to identify your core values.
Step 1: Uncovering Your Core Values
- People You Admire
Who do you look up to? If you were to switch lives with someone right now, who would you choose?Consider their qualities, such as perseverance, gregariousness, or kindness. What qualities resonate most with you? As you do this, be careful not to compare yourself with others. Merely reflect on and list the desirable values that they live by. - Your Past Experiences
When were you most happy? Can you think back to a time in your life when you were truly at peace? Reflect on what made that moment great. What was at the root of that feeling of joy and contentment? Did you have a particular mindset at that time? Make a list of values that you believe you held at that moment. - Your Future Self
Consider the values you’ve already written. How might they influence your future? Ask yourself who you truly want to be and embrace these values. If there’s something missing, a value that only your future self can elicit, add that to your list now.
It’s possible that your list of beliefs and values may now be daunting. Select 3–5 core values that truly stand out. Attempting to live by too many values can complicate the alignment process.
Step 2: Incorporate Your Values Daily
Ask yourself, Is there congruence between your current daily routine and your personal values? If the answer is no, adjust your routine to mindfully align your daily actions with your values. Create an agenda and consider the following:
- Your Long-Term Goals
Each day is an opportunity to take one step closer to being the person you envision. Be mindful of this as you move through your day. Align your long-term goals with your core values. And as you embody these values daily, you’ll begin to manifest your long-term goals. If one of your chosen values is kindness, your long-term goal might be to start a non-profit or raise awareness for a cause. As you move through the day embodying kindness, your actions align with your purpose. - Experiencing Joy Daily
You’ll find that living your values brings daily doses of joy. If your chosen values truly align with your soul’s purpose, your actions will bring you a wonderful sense of fulfillment. If one of your core values is to mentor, then guiding others to experience growth and development may be what brings you daily joy.
Living in alignment starts with your core values. By choosing mindful actions that align with these values, you find more joy and success in life. Identify and act on your core values to live in authentic alignment!
