29/08/2026
Prioritising your values
As we enter the last few days of August, for some it’s a last-minute rush to get the kids and young people ready for the new term, and for others, the house is beginning to return to a familiar routine.
I always find this time of year a welcome opportunity to be a little more flexible and spontaneous. Friends and family visiting, easy conversations, laughter and catch-ups all seem to come a little more naturally over the summer. It’s reminded me once again of the importance and sheer joy of spending time with the people we love.
A timely reminder
Before the summer, I had a minor medical procedure following concern about a skin lesion. Thankfully, the procedure went well, and I was given a clean bill of health.
Even when the outcome is positive, experiences like this can make us pause. They give us an opportunity to reflect on what is truly important to us and whether we are giving those things the time, energy and attention they deserve.
Having experienced significant health challenges in the past, I was reminded that without our health, so much of what we strive for can become secondary. When I was in my 30s and dealing with a debilitating condition, my health naturally became my priority. It limited what I could do and, in many ways, put everything else into perspective.
Perhaps, over time, I had become a little less diligent about prioritising my wellbeing. This recent experience has encouraged me to reflect on that again.
What really matters to you?
One coaching exercise I often find useful is to identify your personal values and then consider which ones are most important to you.
Values are the principles and qualities that guide how we want to live. They might include health, family, relationships, curiosity, freedom, honesty, achievement, kindness, security or adventure.
For me, my current values are:
Health | Curiosity | Family | Friendship | Loyalty
Your list may look completely different—and that’s the point. There is no right or wrong answer.
Take a moment to ask yourself: If someone asked you what you value most in life, what would you say?
And perhaps an even more useful question is:
Does the way you currently spend your time reflect those values?
There can be a gap between what we say is important and where we invest our time and energy. Becoming aware of that gap can be the first step towards making meaningful changes.
Following your curiosity
One of my values is curiosity, and this month it led me somewhere I hadn’t expected.
After seeing an advert for a ladies’ kickboxing class, I became curious and decided to try Wells Elite Ladies Kickboxing. It also connected with an earlier part of my life, when I practised karate.
I signed up, turned up and thoroughly enjoyed it!
The ladies were incredibly welcoming and encouraging, which made trying something new feel much easier. I’m now hoping to return later this year on a more regular basis.
It was a small reminder that living our values doesn’t always have to involve a major life change. Sometimes it can simply mean following a little spark of curiosity, making time for something that energises us, or saying yes to an opportunity outside our usual routine.
A question to take away
As we move from the freedom of summer towards the routines of autumn, perhaps this is a good time to pause and reflect.
What matters most to you and are you making enough space for it in your life?
Your values can act as a compass. They can help you make decisions, set boundaries and focus your energy on the things that genuinely matter.
And sometimes, prioritising your values starts with something as simple as asking yourself: “What do I want more of in my life?”
Ready to Put More Purpose Back Into Your Life?
Taking time to understand your values can be a powerful first step towards creating a life that feels more meaningful, balanced and fulfilling.
If you’re wondering what could change by working with a coach, why not have a free, no-obligation 30-minute chat? We can talk about where you are now, what you’d like to improve, and how coaching could support your wellbeing and help you reconnect with what really matters to you.
No pressure, no commitment, just a friendly conversation to explore whether coaching could be right for you.
Get in touch today to arrange your free chat and take the first step towards bringing more purpose and wellbeing into your life. Message me on my social media sites or email me at
[email protected]
As we enter the last few days of August, for some it’s a last-minute rush to get the kids and young people ready for the new term, and for others, the house is beginning to return to a familiar routine.
