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Wellbeing Life Hacks

Life Hack #38: Make Decisions Based on Values

We make decisions every day.

How satisfied we are by those decisions is dependent on why we made them.

Sometimes we think we “have to” or “should” be doing something, that the pressures of work, family, society dictate our choices. We end up not feeling truly happy or fulfilled.

Values are the key to maximizing our positive emotions about the decisions we make.

When we make decisions that conflict with our values, we experience discontent and dissatisfaction.

Instead, making decisions and taking actions that align with our values lead to a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in life.

If I value time with my family yet have a job that requires significant travel, my value and choice might be misaligned. I might be experiencing feelings of frustration and disappointment. However, if I find a way to incorporate family time into travel for work I might feel balanced and fulfilled.

We might not be able to honor every value, every day, yet pausing to consider key decisions in relation to our values will help us feel positive and fulfilled.

Additional Resources

In 2025 we are highlighting weekly Life Hack Reflections which include five questions to help you better incorporate the Wellbeing Life Hack into your life in ways that work for you. If you would like to receive a weekly email with the Life Hack Reflections, register below.  

Why sign up for the weekly email?

“These questions have fostered a better team environment at work.”

Our dinnertime conversations are more meaningful now!”

“I like to journal and it’s been fun to work these questions into my nightly routine. I look forward to getting these emails each week. I often share them with my kids.”

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