Discovering Your True North: How Values Lead to an Authentic Life

Discovering Your True North

Have you ever felt lost, as if you’re drifting through life without a clear sense of direction? Maybe you’re constantly being pulled in different directions, trying to juggle priorities that seem to compete for your time and energy.

What if I told you that deep within you lies a compass—your True North—that can guide you to a life of authenticity, fulfilment, and clarity?

True North refers to the geographic North Pole, a fixed point on Earth where all longitude lines meet. It represents an unchanging and stable reference point. This is different from magnetic north, the point on Earth’s surface where the magnetic field points directly downward. Magnetic north constantly shifts and doesn’t align with True North, often leading to navigational challenges.

In life, many of us find ourselves following a “magnetic north” of sorts—external influences, expectations, or distractions that pull us away from our authentic path. 

True North: The Compass That Guides Your Life

Think of your values as your True North. They aren’t just moral principles or lofty ideals; they’re the emotional states you crave, the personal qualities you prioritise, and the guiding force behind your most authentic decisions. Aligning with your True North means reconnecting with your internal compass, your Divine DNA: your values. These values are your emotional states, personal qualities, and guiding principles. They ground you and help you make decisions that align with your eternal purpose, no matter how life’s circumstances shift.

But here’s the challenge: Most of us don’t consciously identify our values. Instead, we live on autopilot, making choices that often conflict with what truly matters to us. This creates stress, tension, and even guilt.

When your actions and values are misaligned, it’s like trying to navigate with a compass disrupted by a magnetic field—you feel lost. But when you honour your values, they pull you back to centre. They guide you toward decisions that feel true to who you are.

How Your Values Shape Your Life

Your values are more than ideals—they are the foundation of your identity and the driver of your actions. Let’s break it down:

1. Values Are the Emotional States You Crave
   Values are deeply tied to how you want to feel. For example, if you value peace, you’ll seek quiet moments to recharge and avoid unnecessary conflict. It’s not just what you do; it’s about the emotional state you experience while doing it.

2. Values Reflect Your Core Identity
   Your values express who you are at your core. If you value creativity, you’ll naturally gravitate toward activities that let you think outside the box, whether it’s painting, writing, or innovative problem-solving. Living in alignment with your values makes you feel authentic and self-aware.

3. Values Simplify Decision-Making
   When you’re clear about your values, making decisions becomes easier. Instead of agonising over every choice, you can ask yourself: Does this align with what matters most to me? For instance, if you value family, you might prioritise work-life balance over a high-pressure job that requires constant travel.

The Ripple Effect of Values

Your values create a ripple effect in your life. When you honour them, your thoughts, feelings, and actions align, leading to confidence and fulfilment.

Let’s use courage as an example:

• When you honour your value of courage:

  • Thoughts/Beliefs: “Growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone.”
  • Feelings: Determination, even in the face of fear.
  • Decisions: Volunteering for a challenging project at work.
  • Results: Gaining confidence and earning respect from peers.

• When you neglect your value of courage:

  • Thoughts/Beliefs: “It’s safer not to try at all.”
  • Feelings: Regret and self-doubt.
  • Decisions: Staying silent in meetings and holding back your ideas.
  • Results: Missed opportunities and frustration.

Do you see the difference? Living in alignment with your values creates confidence and fulfilment. Ignoring them leads to stress and dissatisfaction.

Life Stress and Internal Tension

Much of the stress we experience comes from living out of alignment with our values.

For example:

• If you value family but spend excessive time at work, you might feel disconnected or guilty.
• If you value peace but overcommit to too many responsibilities, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed.

When you feel this tension, ask yourself:

• What value am I neglecting?
• If I’m to honour my value of [insert value], what must I commit to?

This simple reflection is a powerful self-coaching strategy to realign with your True North.

Honouring Your Values: The Equation for Authenticity

Here’s the equation to remember:

Value + Action = Authenticity

When your actions align with your values, three powerful things happen:

1. You Feel Motivated
   Living in alignment with your values naturally energises you. For example, if you value personal growth, pursuing opportunities to learn and evolve will inspire and drive you.

2. You Gain Confidence
   Making decisions that reflect your values silences inner conflict. If you value kindness, responding with compassion instead of anger reinforces your self-assurance and peace of mind.

3. You Experience Fulfilment
   Aligning your actions with your values leads to a life of purpose and joy. If you value connection, prioritising meaningful time with loved ones creates lasting happiness.

Aligning with Your True North

So, how do you begin? Here’s a simple three-step process:

1. Identify Your Values. Take time to reflect. What emotional states and personal qualities matter most to you? Is it peace? Creativity? Family? Courage?

2. Assess Your Alignment. Look at your life. Are your actions and decisions honouring your values? Where are you out of alignment?

3. Commit to Change. In moments of tension or indecision, ask: If I’m to honour my value of [insert value], what must I commit to? Then take action.

Final Thoughts: Your Compass for an Authentic Life

Your values are your True North. They guide you through life’s challenges, simplify your decisions, and empower you to live authentically.

Remember this equation: Value + Action = Authenticity

The gap between the life you have and the life you want is determined by how well you honour your values.

So, what values will you commit to today?

Take a deep breath, reflect on your True North, and start living a life that aligns with the very best of who you are