When Was the Last Time You Took a Good Look at Your Values?

Rediscovering Your Compass in Midlife

Values are strange, aren’t they? At certain points in life, we hold them close, almost as if they define us. But at other times, we can feel uncertain—like the very things that once gave us direction have suddenly become blurry. If you’re in midlife, you might feel this more than ever. The years of building a career, raising a family, and ticking off life’s checkboxes can leave you feeling like you’ve done all the “right” things, but still, something feels… off.

You may find yourself asking, “Is this all there is?” or “Is this really what I’m meant to be doing?” That unease often comes from drifting away from our values—the deeply held principles that give our lives meaning and purpose.

Maybe, when you were younger, your values felt clearer. You knew what mattered. But over time, those values shift. Experiences, changes in circumstance, and growth all contribute to this evolution. And sometimes, that means we end up feeling lost or unfulfilled, as if we’ve outgrown who we used to be but haven’t quite figured out who we are becoming.

Why Your Values Matter—Especially Now

In midlife, our values are more important than ever. They’re the compass that keeps us grounded and gives us clarity. When we live in alignment with them, there’s a sense of purpose, energy, and motivation. But when we lose sight of them, life can start to feel... heavy. Like we’re going through the motions but not really living.

Take one of my clients, for example. He’d spent most of his life prioritising work and success, but as he reflected, he realised that his core value was connection. By reconnecting with that value, he reignited his marriage and strengthened his relationships with his children. His life felt fuller, and he felt more alive.

Another client came to me, struggling with a sense of burnout. He valued creativity, but had buried it under years of corporate responsibilities. Reclaiming that passion—whether through a new project, a hobby, or just allowing himself to create—brought him back to life in ways he never expected.

When you’re clear on what truly matters to you, you can make decisions that align with those values. That doesn’t always mean drastic changes—sometimes, it’s about rediscovering things you’ve neglected, like a hobby, a skill, or even a relationship. Little steps, big impact.

How to Reconnect with Your Purpose

Discovering your values doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does take time. The challenge is that we often overthink it, or get caught up in societal pressures about what we should value. So, try this instead:

• Reflect on your happiest moments—what values were you honouring in those times?
• Identify areas where you feel stuck or frustrated—what values might be missing or compromised there?
• Take one small step this week to realign your actions with those values.

?Midlife isn’t a crisis; it’s a chance—a profound invitation—to rediscover who you are, what matters to you, and where you want to go next.

I’d love to hear what your top values are and how you’re expressing them.

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