Living Authentically: The Neuroscience of Living In Alignment With Your Values

Remember a time when you felt an alignment with yourself? When we live in alignment with our values, we experience a deep sense of congruence and authenticity. There's a profound internal harmony, a feeling of "rightness" when we act in a way with what we truly believe in. Living in alignment with our values also enhances our self-confidence. When our actions reflect our beliefs, it reaffirms our self-identity and boosts our self-esteem. It makes us feel more comfortable in our own skin and fosters self-acceptance. 

When we don’t live in alignment with our values, it feels like a ship lost at sea without a compass; the sense of being adrift, disconnected, and ungrounded. Our decisions and actions may not have brought us the satisfaction we anticipate. The mismatch between our behavior and what we believe can give us a sense of unease and unrest. Sometimes it can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or even self-betrayal, especially if we act against a value that we hold dearly. This misalignment can also lead to a lack of motivation or enthusiasm, as our actions and choices aren't driven by what genuinely matters to us. Our life might feel unfulfilling or lacking in purpose, causing feelings of emptiness, disillusionment, or a persistent feeling that something is "off" or "not right." 

In extreme cases, this disharmony can escalate to feelings of anxiety or depression. Our self-esteem might take a hit, leading to an overall decrease in our mental well-being. 

Our values act as a psychological GPS, guiding us towards actions and decisions that contribute to our satisfaction and well-being. We feel 'right' and at peace with ourselves. This congruence helps reduce overthinking, stress, anxiety, and depression. Neuroscience affirms this. When our actions are in sync with our values, our brain's reward system, including areas like the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), springs into action, evoking feelings of satisfaction and joy. In contrast, acting against our values creates disharmony between our ideal and actual selves, activating stress responses and leading to discontentment.

Aligning Your Values

Step 1: Identify Your Core Values

To align your behavior with your values, the first step is to uncover these underlying principles. This discovery process demands introspection and self-reflection. Think about moments when you felt genuine happiness, satisfaction, or pride. What were the values you were honoring in those instances? 

Another strategy is to take a list of values (50-100) and start narrowing them down to 15 and eventually to 3-5 core values.

Step 2: Behaving In Alignment With Your Values

Once you've uncovered your values, the next step is to live in accordance with them. This doesn't mean undertaking a complete life overhaul. It's about small, meaningful changes in your daily activities that mirror your values.

Suppose health is one of your core values. You might start incorporating daily exercise or healthier food choices. If lifelong learning is a priority, setting aside time for reading or enrolling in a course could be beneficial.

Step 3: Continually Evaluate

Cultivating mindfulness also plays a crucial role in living according to your values. By being present and aware, you can continually evaluate how your actions align with your principles. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can be beneficial in fostering this conscious living.

Living according to your values is a journey of self-discovery and authenticity. It's about making decisions that resonate with who you are at your core. The benefits are manifold, from increased happiness and fulfillment to reduced stress and improved relationships.

Remember, this journey is uniquely yours. It's not about adhering to societal standards or expectations, but about uncovering your unique values and living in a way that honors them. As you travel on this journey, remember that every step taken in alignment with your values is a step towards overall happiness and well-being, a more authentic, meaningful fulfilling life.