When you’re living with a chronic illness or managing burnout, life can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. Balancing health, work responsibilities and personal goals can seem impossible at times. That’s where core values come in. They’re your personal compass, helping you make decisions that align with what truly matters to you.

Understanding your core values isn’t just about personal growth; it’s a powerful way to prioritise your energy, set boundaries and create a life and business that support your well-being.

In today’s blog post, I’ll guide you through identifying your core values and show you how they can transform the way you approach work-life balance.

Why Core Values Are Key to Work-Life Balance

Core values are the beliefs that guide your actions and decisions. They’re what keep you focused on what truly matters. Without a clear understanding of your values, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction, especially when your health limits your energy.

For me, identifying my core values was a turning point. Before I understood what mattered most, I pushed myself to do everything, even at the expense of my health. But once I uncovered my top values, community, adventure and purpose, I began making choices for my life and my business that aligned with my energy levels and long-term goals.

Step-by-Step: How to Choose Your Core Values

Choosing your core values doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some honest reflection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Brainstorm a List of Potential Values

Set a timer for five minutes and list everything that matters to you. Think of words like family, health, creativity, financial stability, or adventure. Reflect on times you’ve felt fulfilled and what made those moments meaningful?

I’ve created a list of common values that you can use to spark some ideas:

2. Narrow Down Your List

Once you have a full list of potential values, it’s time to narrow it down. Start by crossing off any words that don’t resonate deeply with you. Then, separate the remaining values into two categories: “Important” and “Very Important”. From there, ditch the “Important” category and focus on the “Very Important” category. Work to reduce the list to just three to three core values.

This part can be tough, but remember that your values should reflect what truly drives and fulfils you. Ask yourself, “Which ones would make the biggest impact on my life and well-being?” or “Which one triggers a positive emotion when I read it?”.

3. Reflect on What These Values Mean to You

Once you’ve chosen your core values, take some time to reflect on what each one means in your life and business. For example, if one of your values is “Health”, think about how that might influence your daily decisions. Does it mean prioritising rest, setting boundaries at work, or making time for gentle movement?

For me, one of my top values is “Community” and it has shifted over time to reflect my current capacity. Before I got sick, community meant attending networking events and being out in the world, but now it means connecting with others online and building meaningful relationships that uplift me without draining my energy.

How Core Values Transform Your Work-Life Balance

When you’re clear on your core values, they can act as a guide for making decisions that align with your health and well-being. Here’s how understanding your values can help:

🌟 Prioritising Energy and Time:
When you know what matters most, you can allocate your energy to activities that align with your values. This helps you say no to unnecessary commitments and avoid burnout.

🌟 Setting Boundaries:
Core values make it easier to set and maintain boundaries. If your value is Family, you might reserve evenings for quality time, or if your value is Health, you could limit work hours to protect your energy.

🌟 Adapting to Changes with Flexibility:
Life with chronic illness or burnout often requires flexibility. Grounding your decisions in your values allows you to adapt without losing sight of what’s important.

Remember, your values can change over time, especially as you move through different stages of your life and business. It’s okay if they evolve, what’s important is that they continue to reflect what matters most to you.

Chronic Illness Career Coaching: Let’s Bring Your Values to Life

If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you take the next step as your Chronic Illness Career Coach.

I work with professionals to align their work and life with their personal values, helping them achieve balance without compromising their health or ambition.

Together, we’ll:

• Uncover what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
• Explore how to structure your work and life to support your well-being.
• Develop strategies to prioritise your energy and set boundaries.

A discovery call is the perfect way to see if this approach aligns with your needs. Book your FREE 45-minute discovery call to start creating a business and life that reflect what matters most to you. You can also head over to my website for more information on my services.

Final Thoughts

Living with chronic illness or managing burnout doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice joy or purpose. By identifying your core values and aligning your actions with them, you can find balance and fulfillment in both your work and personal life.

Disclaimer: This content is based on my personal experience and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on managing your health.