Life Without Values is Chaos: Here’s Why it’s Important

 

There is a notable difference between people who make decisions with confidence and people who do not.  

The answer is simple—values and principles. 

Values form the foundations of our beliefs. They define what we hold dear and see as morally right. Principles, on the other hand, ensure we live by these values through actions. 

Let’s take generosity for example. If generosity is your core value, then the principle you live by is “always offer help to people in need.” This principle transforms generosity from just a value to a practiced way of life. 

The Psychological Benefits of Living By Strong Values

Living by strong values makes decision making easier, reducing stress and mental fatigue. When your beliefs are clear, your choices become less complicated. 

Let me give you an instance. Mr Michael is a man who values integrity. Naturally, these principles would be adopted by his family. One day, his son receives excess change from a vendor. Without hesitation, he returned the extra money. Why? Because his family values leave no room for compromise. Doing the right thing becomes an instinct. If the values didn’t run deep in the family, he wouldn't be able to return the money. Strong values give you no choice, it’s either you do the right thing or you do the right thing. There’s no other option. 

I would give you another instance. A cleaner struggling financially, was offered a life changing job. But there was a little problem, the company was into fraudulent business. She declined the offer without hesitation, because compromising her morals for material gain isn’t an option. People might call her foolish and say “That’s why she’s so poor,” but at what cost? At the cost of losing herself I would say. 

Strong values provide clarity. It helps you filter options and choose the ones that best align with what you believe in. You’ll leave your life with direction and purpose and there will be little space for regrets. Your life feels authentic, purposeful and you’ll be immune to social pressure. 

People with strong principles are more self-assured. Confidence grows when actions align with deeply held beliefs. Have you ever done something good and felt an inner sense of joy? That’s the fulfillment you get from living with principles. When your actions align with the values you uphold, it brings meaning to your life and peace to your soul. Having a personal value is one thing, being principled about it is another thing. You live in self-conflict when your values contradict your actions. Strong values with principles create inner peace and stability.

Many important personalities have held strongly to their values and lived by principles throughout history. Mahatma Gandhi believed in non-violence, truth and simplicity not just as concepts but as lived principles. Gandhi lived in simplicity and humility with the belief that non-violence was the greatest weapon against oppression. To Gandhi, Truth is God and his whole life was an embodiment of this belief. 

Nelson Mandela valued reconciliation, humility, and selflessness. Even after 27 years in prison, he held no grudges. He led with humility, and made his country his priority. 

These leaders didn’t achieve greatness by chance, they lived by values, and their principles shaped every aspect of their lives. 

How Values Shape You. 

When you embody strong values, your principles influence every decision you make. They shape:

• Your character—Your definition of yourself and how the world defines you. 

• Your relationships—How you interact, trust, and build meaningful connections with people around you. 

• Your career—your work ethic, leadership and decision making process. 

• Your worldview—Your beliefs about right and wrongs and how they affect your perception of the society. 

The values you hold today aren't random. They are shaped by family, society and personal experiences. Without principles, a person lacks direction and is easily influenced by others. 

Values define identity. They dictate what you consider good, bad or important. Principles serve as the guidelines ensuring values are upheld. This is why leaders like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi made positive impacts. They maintained strong principles and these principles shaped the society positively. 

Values and principles are like a guiding compass that affects your daily life. People who possess them are more likely to build trust and credibility than people without them.

I’ll tell you a strange truth;

Did you know that even thieves live by values?

Some steal only from the wealthy because they believe that their wealth should be redistributed to the poor. 

Twisted, right?

But that’s what some of them believe in. They hold onto it and act on it. Reading this, you’ve likely condemned their actions. That instinctive response proves how values are—you instantly recognize when something goes against your morals.

Right Versus Wrong Values

Not all values are good. If your life is shaped around the wrong beliefs, your entire perspective shifts accordingly, and that can be dangerous. Society suffers when people prioritize wrong values over the right ones. The rise of corruption, dishonesty and greed stems from people shaping their lives around destructive principles. 

There is a saying that: “What you believe is what works for you.” But the real question is; are you choosing the right beliefs? Strong values create a meaningful, fulfilling life. Misguided values lead to regret, instability and chaos. 

The Struggles of Living By Your Principles In a Changing World. 

The world is fast changing, so are the values and norms. What was considered wrong two decades ago might be widely accepted today. New perspectives are emerging and the cultural norms are shifting. While maintaining values is great, being flexible and adaptable is just as important. 

Consider past cultural beliefs— traditionally, it was believed that a woman’s place is in the kitchen. Many women upheld this principle, never questioning societal expectations. Today, perspectives have changed. Women are leaders, innovators and change makers. Growth led to adaptation. 

Your values matter, but it’s also okay to challenge them. Sometimes, the beliefs we hold aren’t necessarily right. We must always be open to refining and questioning them. The real challenge is not just in upholding values but in doing it without being too rigid and close-

minded. 

How do you maintain values while being flexible?

• Identify your core non-negotiable values: Some values are not to be changed, regardless of the trend. Identify them and remain firm in your resolve. 

• Separate values from methods: If generosity is your value, the methods might change over time. Maybe from giving money to offering free mentorship. 

• Be open to other viewpoints: Listening to the views of others refines your belief and changes your perspective. 

• Adapt without compromising integrity: Let’s say you find yourself in a situation where saying the truth might do more harm than good. Choosing diplomacy would be more impactful than brutal truth. 
• Lead with principles not rigidity: Living with values should empower you and not restrict you. Reflect on whether they still serve you, and adjust where necessary. 

Living by values and principles makes you confident, gives you direction and makes you fulfilled. Without them, your decisions will feel unstable. The world will continue to change but true success lies in knowing which values to hold onto and which to refine. So today, take a moment and reflect on the values that shape your life.