Navigating Life with Purpose: How ACT Uses Values for Wellbeing

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like you’re just "going through the motions." You might find yourself reacting to stress or avoiding discomfort rather than building a life that truly feels like your own. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a refreshing shift in perspective: instead of trying to eliminate "bad" feelings, it teaches us to build a rich, meaningful life by living in alignment with our core values.

What Are Values in ACT?

Unlike goals, which are specific destinations you can "check off" (like getting a promotion), values are ongoing directions. Think of them as a compass rather than a map. If your value is "being a supportive friend," you never "arrive" at it; instead, it is a quality you can embody in every interaction, every day.

Moving from Avoidance to Action

Often, we get stuck because we wait to "feel better" before we start living. We tell ourselves, "I’ll join that class once my anxiety goes away". ACT flips this script. It uses values-based living to:

• Foster Psychological Flexibility: By identifying what matters most, you develop the resilience to take action even when difficult thoughts or emotions arise.

• Create Meaning in Discomfort: When your struggles are tied to a purpose—like enduring the nerves of a social event because you value connection—that pain becomes part of a meaningful journey rather than something to fear.

• Encourage Committed Action: ACT doesn’t just ask you to think about your values; it asks you to commit to small, concrete steps that reflect them, regardless of how you feel in the moment.

Why It Works

Living by your values increases wellbeing because it provides a stable sense of integrity and direction. Research shows that individuals who live value-driven lives experience lower stress, better health outcomes, and a greater sense of life satisfaction.

If you're feeling lost, try asking yourself: "What do I want to stand for in this life?". An experienced therapist can help you answer this and begin your journey toward a more purposeful life.

To find out more and to work with a therapist who can help you live a more values driven life, visit:  havencounselling.com.au