Set your course by the stars, not by the light of every passing ship. -Omar Bradley

One of the wisest principles of lifetime happiness and peace of mind is so obvious that we sometimes forget it—and, in the forgetting, we lose our way. The principle is this:

Live each day in alignment with your values.

Your values are the choices you make about what’s most important to you. Living your life by your values is like establishing true north on a compass. From then on, the compass knows only one point—its idea!—and it will guide you through the darkest nights and fiercest storms.

You may know what your values are. You may believe you values are you guiding stars. But if you aren’t actually living your values—following you true north—chances are you won’t ever be really happy, and your journey through life will fell spiritually off track.

The good news is that you don’t have to wait a single mixture to start realigning your life with your values—and the rewards will convince you to make it a lifelong commitment.

Am I living my life in integrity with my values?

If you say you value your health, are you still smoking or out of shape?

If you say you value your family, are you spending more time with them?

If you say you value adventure, are you taking your vacations?

List your top values and determine whether you are currently living those values.

Then think of ways you will commit to your values this week.