The "G" in DGH A stands for "Good." But what does "good" truly mean in the context of your daily deliberate habit? Is it universally defined, or is it deeply personal? This post explores how aligning your DGH A choices with your core values can transform your practice from a series of disconnected actions into a powerful expression of who you are and what you stand for.
Choosing a DGH A that resonates with your authentic self—your deeply held beliefs and principles—is key to making the habit stick and ensuring it genuinely enriches your life. When a habit is aligned with your values, it feels less like a chore and more like a meaningful act of self-care and personal expression.
What Are Core Values?
Core values are the fundamental beliefs that guide your attitudes, actions, and decisions. They are the principles that dictate what is important to you in life. Examples might include honesty, compassion, creativity, growth, connection, freedom, security, or adventure. They are your internal compass.
Unlike goals, which are destinations, values are directions. You don't "achieve" a value; you live in accordance with it. Knowing your core values provides a framework for making choices, including your DGH A, that are authentic and fulfilling.
Identifying Your Core Values
If you're unsure of your core values, here are a few ways to start uncovering them:
- Reflect on Peak Experiences: Think about times in your life when you felt most alive, proud, or fulfilled. What values were you honoring in those moments?
- Consider What Angers or Frustrates You: Often, what upsets us points to a value that is being violated or ignored. For example, frustration with dishonesty might indicate a strong value for integrity.
- Examine Your Inspirations: Who do you admire, and why? The qualities you admire in others often reflect your own values.
- Use a Values List: Search online for a comprehensive list of core values. Read through it and circle those that resonate most strongly with you. Then, try to narrow it down to your top 5-10.
This process of values clarification is itself a valuable DGH A you could undertake!
Aligning DGH A with Your Values: Practical Examples
Once you have a clearer sense of your core values, you can start choosing DGH As that directly support and express them. Here's how this might look:
- If you value GROWTH: Your DGH A could be reading a chapter of a non-fiction book, learning a new word in a foreign language, or practicing a new skill for 10 minutes.
- If you value CONNECTION: Your DGH A might be reaching out to a friend, having a mindful conversation with a family member, or writing a thank-you note. (See also: DGH A for Others)
- If you value CREATIVITY: Your DGH A could be sketching for 5 minutes, writing a paragraph of a story, or playing a musical instrument.
- If you value WELL-BEING/HEALTH: Your DGH A could be a short walk, 5 minutes of stretching, preparing a healthy snack, or a brief meditation.
- If you value MINDFULNESS/PRESENCE: Your DGH A could be eating one meal mindfully, practicing a 3-minute breathing exercise, or simply noticing your surroundings without judgment on your commute.
- If you value KNOWLEDGE: Your DGH A might be listening to an educational podcast segment, researching a topic you're curious about, or reviewing notes from a course.
The key is to explicitly ask: "Does this DGH A align with what is truly important to me?"
The Benefits of Value-Aligned DGH As
- Increased Intrinsic Motivation: Habits aligned with values feel more natural and less forced.
- Greater Sustainability: You're more likely to stick with habits that hold personal meaning.
- Enhanced Sense of Purpose: Daily actions become small expressions of your larger life purpose.
- Reduced Inner Conflict: When your actions align with your beliefs, you experience greater internal harmony.
Defining "good" in your DGH A is an ongoing, reflective process. By consciously connecting your daily habits to your core values, you transform DGH A from a simple habit-building technique into a profound practice of intentional and authentic living. Let your values be your guide to choosing habits that are not just productive, but deeply nourishing for your soul.