How I Stopped the Fight Between Priorities and Values
- outofsmallthingsli
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
You know that guilty little voice that pops up when you choose yourself over work or family? The one whispering, “Shouldn’t you be living your core values instead of binge-watching or taking a massage?” Yep, that nagging feeling.
I’ve been there—more times than I care to admit. But here’s the secret: Sometimes, not prioritizing a core value in the moment is actually the best way to honor it in the long run.
The Health Paradox
Take health, for example. Let’s say you’re on a mission to be more active. You’re hitting the gym, tracking your steps, and feeling strong. Then, one day, you wake up with a scratchy throat and a body that feels like it’s been run over by a truck. The achiever in you says, “Push through! Don’t skip the workout!” But your wiser self says, “Um… maybe let’s not.”
In that moment, resting might feel like you’re betraying your health goals. But in reality, prioritizing rest is actually supporting your long-term health. Because pushing through would only prolong your misery—and maybe even land you in bed for days.
Family vs. Me Time: The Tug of War
Or how about when you value family but prioritize yourself for the day? You cancel plans to take a solo hike or lock yourself away with a good book. Cue the guilt: “Shouldn’t I be spending this time with my people?”
Nope. Not necessarily.
Prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean you’re turning your back on family values. It means you’re recharging so you can show up as your best self later—more present, patient, and loving.
The Bigger Picture
Priorities are momentary plays. Values are your game plan. The two aren’t at odds—they’re teammates. Sometimes priorities take the shot, and sometimes values call the play. The trick is remembering that short-term priorities are actually working toward the long-term win.
So, the next time you feel guilty for not prioritizing a core value in the moment, zoom out. Check the bigger picture. You might just find that you’re honoring it more than you think.
High five ✋
You’re officially off the hook for feeling guilty when your short-term priorities seem to contradict your core values. You’re playing the long game.
💡 Coaching Takeaway:
When making decisions, zoom out and ask yourself:
✅ Does this short-term choice still serve my values in the big picture?
✅ Is it a detour or a true misalignment?
Sometimes, the winding road still leads to the right destination.
Like what you read?
Subscribe below so you don’t miss future posts—and if this helped you, share it with a friend who might need the same encouragement today.
Comments