“A highly developed values system is like a compass. It serves as a guide to point you in the right direction when you are lost.” – Idowu Koyenikan.

Whilst we know that money can’t buy happiness, we don’t always take the time to think about what really does. At WellsFaber, we believe living in line with our values is critical to sustainable happiness.

Ironically, when confronted by challenging circumstances, we typically lose track of what matters most. We need to learn how to align with our values, even during stressful episodes. It’s too easy to think that more money, more hours at work, or more stuff in our lives will help us find happiness, but all they inevitably do is amplify our unhappiness.

If we aren’t clear on our fundamental beliefs and principles, we are most likely not in tune with our core values. And it matters because that’s what guides our behaviour and shapes our choices and decisions. Whether we get married, study further, purchase property, travel overseas, invest offshore, save for life after work, invest in vintage cars and art, focus on eating healthily, start a charity or build a new business.

However, much of life is spent creating carefully edited versions of ourselves based on others’ expectations. Brené Brown encourages us to show ourselves compassion, accept our imperfections, and live according to our values.

Talking about our values when we talk about our money is helpful in gaining clarity and focus, becoming more self-aware, living more authentically, and feeling more fulfilled. We like to ask questions about what’s truly important to you to help you articulate what you believe in, what motivates you and what you want to achieve with your life and money.

By asking these questions, we can gain insight into beliefs and motivations and use them to create a plan towards your achieving and sustaining life in your wealthspace.

When last did you take a moment to think about the scenario that if tomorrow was your last day on Earth, who would you spend it with and why? This type of reflection influences how we move forward, the choices we make and how we can live a life closely aligned with our core values. When we can strive towards this, we can thrive.