Values are more than just a list of words; they are the compass that guides our decisions, big and small. They define not only how we live our lives but also how we build our businesses. For me, my core values are family, freedom, growth, and impact. And they are at the heart of everything I do.

This past weekend was a powerful reminder of this. My mum turned 75, and after missing her 70th birthday due to lockdowns and closed borders, it was incredibly special to be there to celebrate with her, my brother and his family. Creating these memories and being present for what matters most is the very reason I built my business. It’s the freedom I craved - the freedom to live a life on my terms and be there for my family.

Family is and always will be my number one value. It’s why I support my daughters, answer my husband’s HR questions, and prioritise celebrating milestones, even if they're half a world away. This foundational value shapes my decisions, ensuring that my business supports my life, not the other way around.

If we don’t live true to our values, we risk building a business that traps us in the very rat race we were trying to escape.

When you are out of alignment, it doesn’t just show up in your work; it seeps into every corner of your life. It's the reason you find yourself mindlessly binge watching Netflix for hours, feeling drained rather than rested. It's why you snap at your kids over something small, like a spilled glass of milk, because you're already running on empty. I've been there, and I can tell you that those moments of overreaction are often a signal that something is off kilter. When you're not living and working in a way that feels true to you, your body and mind will send you signals - and they're not always pleasant ones.

But what if you're not sure what your values are? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many of us have spent so long living by someone else's rules that we've lost touch with our own inner compass. Here’s a simple exercise to help you find your way back:

1. Reflect on your highs and lows: Think about a time in your life when you felt truly happy, fulfilled, and energised. What was happening? Who were you with? Now, think about a time when you felt drained, frustrated, or stressed. What was going on then? Our values are often revealed in the contrast between these experiences.

2. Ask yourself powerful questions:

   • What do you stand for?

   • What makes you angry or passionate?

   • What do you admire most in others?

   • What do you want your life to look like in five years?

3. Look for patterns: As you answer these questions, notice the themes that emerge. Do certain words or ideas come up again and again? These are likely your core values.

When you align your work with what you truly believe in, you show up authentically. You create a business that is not just profitable but also purposeful and fulfiling. This alignment allows you to make decisions with confidence, whether it's about who you work with, what services you offer, or how you spend your time. It gives you a strong foundation to build upon, so you can make the kind of impact that matters most to you.

Are you living and leading in alignment with your values? What matters most to you right now?

Let's connect and talk about how your values can become the foundation for your business success. Have you signed up for my weekly newsletter yet? It guarantees you behind the scenes insights and early access to my latest resources. You can sign up here:https://theleaptolead.com/