By Katy Ripp
Last month, we talked about why making decisions can feel heavier than it should. These choices are challenging not because you’re incapable or lack experience — it’s because everything feels important at the same time.
When you don’t have a values filter, every choice feels high stakes. This is where values quietly make things easier.
I’m not referring to the polished, corporate-sounding values that show on a website. The real ones. The ones that show up in how you want to spend your time, use your energy and define success in this season of your life.
Values are not aspirational — they are directional. They guide you in optimizing career and personal decisions.
Real Life: What To Do
Let’s say you’re offered a leadership opportunity. If you work for someone else, that may entail a promotion, which means more responsibility, visibility or money.
If you run your own business, maybe it’s a new contract, a bigger client or a partnership that could elevate your brand.
On paper, it looks super impressive.
Without a values filter, your brain starts spinning. Is this a smart move? I “should” want this, right? What will people think if I say no? What if I take it and regret it? What if I don’t, and someone else does?
The spiral isn’t about capability — it’s about clarity. When you pause and ask what you’re optimizing for right now, the energy shifts.
- If you value growth, you might take the opportunity, even if it stretches you.
- If you value sustainability, you might pass, even if it looks good.
- If you value freedom and flexibility, you might decide the tradeoff isn’t worth it in this season.
The opportunity didn’t change — your clarity did.
That’s what values do — they reduce noise and make tradeoffs visible. They help you make decisions intentionally instead of automatically. Values don’t guarantee outcomes, but they do make it easier to stand behind your choices.
A Quick Action to Try This Week
Think about one decision in front of you. Before you list pros and cons, ask yourself:
What matters most to me right now?
Write down one word.
Let that word guide the choice.
Next month, we’ll talk about what happens after you start deciding this way, and how it slowly rebuilds trust in yourself at work.
Katy Ripp is a certified coach, business strategist, and podcast host of “#ActuallyICan.”
