We all have a story we like to tell ourselves.
That we’re hardworking. That we value family. That we care about our health. That we’re the kind of person who shows up, who leads with integrity, who loves deeply.
But stories aren’t written in words. They’re written in how you spend your time. Your energy. Your money. Your attention.
So here’s the hard question:
If someone followed you around for a week—watched how you wake up, what you eat, how you treat your spouse or kids or friends, how often you pick up your phone, what you do when you’re angry, lonely, tired—what would they say you value?
Because if we’re being honest, they might not say the same things you tell yourself.
They might say,
“You value staying comfortable more than you value growth.”
“You value control more than connection.”
“You value looking good on the outside more than being healthy on the inside.”
“You say you love your partner, but you spend more time with your coworkers or your phone than you do with them.”
That stings. But it’s necessary.
We don’t rise to the level of our intentions—we fall to the level of our habits.
So if your life isn’t matching your values, that doesn’t make you a bad person. It just means you’ve been asleep at the wheel. You’ve been running on autopilot. And it’s time to wake up.
Start small. Pick one area. Ask yourself:
“If someone watched me here, what would they actually say I care about?”
Then take one step to bring it back into alignment.
You don’t have to be perfect. But you do have to be honest. Because integrity isn’t about being flawless. It’s about making sure your insides match your outsides.
You say you value love? Show it.
You say you value your health? Prove it.
You say you value peace? Protect it.
You get one shot at this life. Make sure the story you’re living is one you’d be proud to tell.