Happiness is a mindset and a choice. Happiness is often seen as something to chase, a distant destination waiting at the end of success, wealth, or external validation. But what if happiness isn’t a finish line? What if it’s a way of being, shaped by the choices you make every day?

Naval Ravikant, an entrepreneur and thinker, suggests that life’s priorities should follow a simple order: happiness first, then health, then wealth. When happiness is the foundation, everything else falls into place.


But how do you cultivate happiness that lasts?


The answer lies in your values – the invisible compass guiding your decisions, shaping your character, and defining what truly matters to you. When you align your life with your values, you’re not just existing, you’re thriving.




The Foundation of Your Happiness



What Are Values?

Values are the principles that anchor you. They reflect your deepest beliefs, shape your identity, and influence your priorities. They are personal and unique to you, shaped by your experiences, culture, and aspirations.


Values can be positive or negative and aren’t static. Some values are instilled in childhood. Others evolve with time, as you grow and redefine what truly matters. What mattered to us at 20 might shift by 40, and that’s okay.


The key is to stay connected to them, to let them guide us through life’s ups and downs. Growth means allowing your values to shift when needed, refining them as you gain clarity. Values ultimately leads us to a deeper, more enduring sense of joy.


Happiness based on values is the greatest leveler in life. They’re not just abstract ideas; they’re the principles that define who you are at our core. Whether it’s family, love, health, or freedom, your values give your life meaning and purpose.




Why Values Matter For Happiness

Many people chase happiness through external means: seeking validation, accumulating wealth, or pursuing fleeting pleasures. But real, lasting happiness comes from living in alignment with what truly matters to you.

What is the connection between values and happiness?

  1. Authentic Living: Nothing drains happiness faster than pretending to be someone you’re not. When you live in alignment with your values, you live authentically: true to yourself, without the need for masks or approval. There’s a harmony between who you are and how you live, and that’s where true happiness begins.



  2. Building Resilience in Adversity: Tough times are inevitable. But when your values are clear, they act as a guiding light, reminding you of what truly matters, and help you navigate difficulties with grace and purpose. You’re no longer just reacting to challenges, you’re grounded and responding with intention.



  3. Fulfillment in Alignment: Happiness isn’t just about the absence of stress; it’s about the presence of fulfillment. When your choices reflect your values, you experience deep satisfaction, not just in the big milestones, but in the small, everyday moments. Values guide you toward goals and experiences that resonate with your deepest desires.






A Guide to Gaining Clarity on What Truly Matters


Happiness isn’t something we stumble upon, it’s something we create. And at the heart of a meaningful, fulfilling life lies a simple but profound truth: we must live in alignment with our values.

Yet, how often do we pause to define what truly matters to us? Without clarity, it’s easy to drift, chasing goals that aren’t ours, making decisions that don’t sit right, or feeling unfulfilled without quite knowing why.


If you’re ready to step into a life of authenticity and purpose, it starts here. Below are eight practical steps to help you identify, define, and live by your values, so you can move forward with intention and a deep sense of fulfillment.


Reflect on Your Life’s Pivotal Moments



Think about the moments in life when you felt truly happy, proud, or at peace. Think back to the moments that shaped you: the highs, the lows, the turning points.

When did you feel truly alive? What filled you with pride, joy, or deep satisfaction? What values were present in those experiences? Family? Growth? Integrity? Freedom?

These experiences hold clues to your core values. Perhaps it was the sense of connection at a family gathering, the fulfillment of helping someone in need, or the freedom of taking a leap of faith.

Jot them down. See the patterns. They are your compass.



Spot the Themes That Keep Showing Up


Look for recurring ideas in the moments you’ve reflected on. What do they reveal about what matters most to you?

For me, key themes emerged: family, love, celebration, faith, service, health, peace, joy, freedom, authenticity, and growth.

Your values will be uniquely yours. Honor them. They are the foundation of your best life.



Prioritize What Matters Most



Not all values carry the same weight. Choose the ones that are non-negotiable for you: the ones that give your life purpose. Some will shape every decision you make; others will be important but secondary.

Ask yourself:

  • If I had to choose only five, what would they be?

  • What values define me at my core?

  • Which ones do I want to cultivate more?

Let go of what doesn’t serve you. Clarity comes when we make space for what truly matters.



Define Your Values Clearly


It’s not enough to name your values, you need to define what they mean to you.

For example, if you value freedom, does that mean financial independence, creative expression, or the ability to travel? If growth matters, is it about career advancement, spiritual learning, or emotional resilience?

The clearer your definitions, the easier it is to live by them.



Put Your Values to the Test

Put your values to the test in real-life situations. Do they hold up? It’s easy to say you value honesty, but what happens when telling the truth is uncomfortable? Do you truly prioritize peace, or do you let small conflicts steal your joy?

Test your values in real life. See which ones stand strong and which need refining.




Seek Honest Feedback

Sometimes, we have blind spots. Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or loved one:

  • What do you see as my core values?

  • Do my actions reflect what I say I believe in?

Their insights can offer a valuable mirror to ensure you’re living in alignment with your true self.



Align Your Life with Your Values

Bring your values into your daily choices, from your career to your relationships. When your actions match your beliefs, life feels more meaningful.  If health is a priority, does your daily routine support it?


Regular Check-Ins



Life changes, and so do we. Revisit your values every six months to ensure they still align with your evolving self. Regular self-reflection is crucial for gaining ongoing clarity.




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Your values are the foundation of your happiness. They are the invisible threads weaving purpose, joy, and fulfillment into your life.

When you live by them, you don’t just exist, you thrive.

So, take a deep breath. Step forward with clarity. And let your values guide you toward a life that feels truly yours.

What are your core values? How can you bring them more fully into your life? Remember, the journey to happiness starts with a single step, and that step is yours to take.

What’s one value that’s most important to you, and how do you honor it in your daily life? Share your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear your story!

Thank you for being a VCC reader.