In the whirlwind of the past few weeks, I’ve noticed a surge of energy from people eager to take action on a range of pressing issues. There’s been no shortage of determination, but what seems to be missing is clarity about which actions to take and why. Goals are powerful, they provide direction and momentum. But before we throw ourselves headlong into pursuing them, we need to pause and ask, Do these goals serve a larger purpose? Or are they simply a reaction to stress and urgency?

 

This is where leaning on our values becomes essential. Our values act as a compass, helping us navigate the noise and pressure of decision-making. By anchoring ourselves in what we truly hold dear, we cultivate resilience—the kind of strength that sustains us through setbacks and ensures our actions are aligned with our deeper purpose.

 

I’m grateful to my circle of friends, colleagues, and mentors, who challenge me daily to reflect on my own values and to practice resilience intentionally. Their questions, insights, and encouragement remind me that this work is not solitary. It’s within the give-and-take of honest conversations that I’ve found clarity, direction, and the courage to act with purpose.

 

Start with Your Why

The first step is to examine your “why.” Why is this issue important to you? Why does it deserve your time, energy, and resources? Think back to the early days of 2020, when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) became the rallying cry for many organizations. While the intent was admirable, we saw that the movement began to lose steam because so many individuals and organizations weren’t grounded in a strong, authentic “why.” Instead, they were swept up in the moment, doing it because everyone else was doing it.

 

Fast-forward to today, and we see the pendulum swinging in the other direction. Organizations and leaders are now facing a different kind of pressure—economic and social backlash from consumers and stakeholders who are vocal about not supporting businesses that embrace DEI. This has led some companies to reframe their initiatives or step back from commitments.

 

These pressures are real, and navigating them is no small task. It’s easy to see why organizations feel caught in the middle of competing demands. The question, then, is not whether to lean in or pull back, but why those choices are being made. Are they rooted in a clear, authentic purpose, or are they reactive responses to external pressures?

 

When decisions are grounded in values, they have staying power, even in the face of resistance. Without that clarity, actions—whether advancing DEI or stepping away from it—can feel shallow and unsustainable.

 

When our actions are not tied to a clear purpose, they lack staying power.

Exploring your “why” starts with reflecting on your personal values. What do you hold most dear? What beliefs guide your life and decisions? Distinguish what you value from what others say you should value. This introspection isn’t just about self-awareness; it’s about ensuring that your goals reflect your truest self and not someone else’s expectations.

 

DEI is just one example of how grounding actions in values can create more sustainable outcomes. Organizations that succeeded in their efforts were the ones that connected their initiatives to a larger purpose, like creating equitable workplaces where all employees thrive. Those that struggled often lacked clarity on their why, leaving them unprepared to sustain the work or withstand shifting societal pressures.

 

The same principle applies to our personal and professional goals. Are you pursuing them because they align with your values or because of external pressures? By pausing to explore your motivations, you can ensure your actions not only have staying power but also contribute meaningfully to the world around you.

But what happens when our values seem to pull us in different directions? How do we navigate the complexity of competing priorities without losing sight of what matters most?

 

Balancing Competing Values

Here’s where it gets tricky: we often hold competing values. For example, you might deeply value social good while also wanting to see economic growth. These values can feel at odds, and society often pressures us to choose one over the other. But I believe in the power of a both-and approach.

When we are grounded in our values, we gain the clarity and strength to hold multiple truths. Instead of defaulting to hyper-focused solutions that address one value while neglecting another, we can pursue paths that honor the complexity of our goals. This balance doesn’t just serve the issues we care about—it also makes us more resilient. It teaches us to navigate nuance, to persist in the face of challenges, and to trust in our ability to hold space for more than one priority.

 

Resilience Through Reflection

Resilience is not about gritting your teeth and pushing forward at all costs. True resilience comes from a place of alignment and authenticity. When you take the time to ground your actions in your values, you’re not just reacting—you’re building a foundation that can withstand setbacks and uncertainty.

 

Here’s how leaning on your values builds resilience:

• Clarity in Chaos: Values provide a north star when the path forward feels unclear.
• Sustained Motivation: Goals grounded in values are fueled by purpose, not external pressure, making it easier to stay committed.
• Adaptability: A values-based approach allows for flexibility when circumstances change, helping you pivot without losing sight of your purpose.

 

Moving Forward

So, how do we put this into practice? Start by reflecting on what matters most to you. Ask yourself:

• What do I value deeply, regardless of external validation or societal expectations?
• How can my actions align with these values in meaningful and sustainable ways?
• Am I pursuing goals that honor my “why,” or am I reacting to stress and urgency?

 

And remember, you don’t have to choose between competing priorities. Resilience thrives in the space where complexity is embraced. By leaning on your values and staying open to a both-and mindset, you’ll achieve your goals and create a life that feels authentic and whole.

 

Resilience is cultivated in the pauses, in the moments we take to ground ourselves before charging ahead. Let’s take those moments, lean on what matters most, and move forward with intention.