Have you ever felt completely drained despite doing everything "right" in your life? That was my reality a few years ago. On paper, I had it all—beautiful family, great job, full calendar—yet I was slowly crumbling underneath, defensive and resentful despite my efficiency.

Everything changed when I heard someone say: "when you're not living in alignment with your values, you'll feel drained, no matter how efficient you are." That sentence hit me like a revelation. I discovered that freedom, truth, and integrity were my core values, yet I was living as if productivity was my only priority. The disconnect was destroying me from within.

The research backs this up powerfully. People clear on their personal values are 110% more likely to feel fulfilled at work and three times more likely to report high life satisfaction. Yet most of us, especially women raised to be "good girls," were never taught how to identify our own personal values. Instead, we followed templates—be kind, be responsible, be agreeable—pulling away from our intuition just to please others.

In this episode, I guide you through a simple yet transformative three-step process: identifying your true values, noticing where you're aligned or out of sync, and taking one small, powerful step toward what truly matters to you. I share vulnerable examples from my own work life, showing how organizational changes helped me honor my values around impact and integrity, leaving me invigorated rather than exhausted despite having more responsibility than ever before.

Whether your values center around creativity, rest, honesty, or something entirely unique to you, living in alignment isn't about overhauling your entire life overnight. It's about making one small choice today, then another tomorrow. When women start honoring their values, something radical happens—energy shifts, guilt softens, voices strengthen, and direction becomes clear. Connect with me on Instagram @beinglaurenbarrett and share which value you're holding close this week.