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A New Year, A New Opportunity to Realign with What Matters Most 

Welcome to the first week of 2025—a year full of opportunities to grow, reflect, and create meaningful change. 

Before diving into resolutions or setting goals, there’s a crucial first step that often goes overlooked: defining your core values. These values are not just ideals; they are the foundation of who you are. They shape your decisions, guide your priorities, and influence how you respond to challenges. Without understanding them, it’s easy to feel lost or unfulfilled, chasing achievements that lack deeper meaning. 

At Tiger Resilience, we believe that discovering your core values is the key to living an authentic and purposeful life. This week marks the beginning of a seven-week series tied to our Path to Purpose course, where we’ll explore the transformative power of aligning with your values, goals, and purpose. 

If you’re ready to dig deeper, check out our course officially released today: 

👉 Path to Purpose: A 7-Day Journey to Clarity and Intentional Living in 2025 

Let’s start this year by uncovering what truly matters to you.

Core values are more than abstract ideals—they are the guiding principles that define your identity and influence every aspect of your life. They serve as your internal compass, helping you navigate decisions, relationships, and challenges with authenticity and clarity.

The Core of Who You Are: 

Core values are like the roots of a tree. They may be invisible to others, but they anchor you firmly, providing stability and nourishment for everything you do. They influence how you think, act, and feel, forming the foundation of your identity. 

More Than Morals: 

While values often overlap with ethical principles, they extend far beyond what’s “right” or “wrong.” They reflect what’s most meaningful to you personally, professionally, and spiritually. 

Unique and Evolving: 

No two individuals share the exact same set of core values, even if raised in the same environment. Your life experiences, relationships, and self-reflections continuously shape and refine your values. 

Take a moment to reflect:

What are the moments in your life where you felt most aligned with yourself? 

What values were you honoring in those moments? 

Conversely, when have you felt out of sync with your life? What values were neglected or compromised? 

Core values not only define who you are—they serve as the compass that steers you through life’s complexities, helping you build a life that feels meaningful and true to you. 

50 Core Values: Identifying What Matters Most

Below is a carefully crafted list of 50 core values, grouped for clarity. Take your time to explore, identify 10 that resonate most deeply, and then narrow them to your top 5—your non-negotiables.

Michael’s Perspective: Fulfillment Beyond the Pursuit of Happiness 

If you search online for whether happiness is a core value, you’ll likely find results suggesting that it is—and that many of us strive for it as such. While I’m not going to argue against the almighty Google search engine, I think this framing can be a little misguided. In our own list of 50 core values (included above in this newsletter), you won’t find happiness listed. And that’s intentional. 

When I reflect on this, it’s clear to me that happiness isn’t a core value—it’s a fleeting emotional state. It’s something we feel in certain moments, but it’s not something we can sustain indefinitely. Building a life around the pursuit of happiness as a constant can set us up for failure because it’s simply not realistic. 

My fiancée and I recently talked about this very topic, and she mentioned something that completely shifted my perspective. She told me about the importance of cultivating emotional flexibility—the ability to experience a full range of emotions rather than clinging to happiness alone. This, she explained, leads to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. 

Hearing this from someone I deeply respect gave me pause. I realized how much of my life I’ve spent associating success with happiness, as if every decision I made and every goal I pursued should lead to that one ultimate outcome. But when I think back on my life, there are so many meaningful moments that weren’t necessarily happy. 

Here’s the thing: whether you’re a billionaire, someone who has experienced endless misfortune, or just the most “average” person you can imagine, we all go through highs and lows. Nobody is immune to the full spectrum of emotions that make up the human experience. This universal truth is a reminder that happiness, while desirable, isn’t something we can achieve permanently—or even should. 

Take, for example, moments of growth. Growth often comes from discomfort or adversity, not happiness. Or consider resilience—a value that is literally embedded in our company’s name, Tiger Resilience. Resilience isn’t born from endless joy but from enduring life’s inevitable hardships and coming out stronger on the other side. 

This reflection has completely reframed how I think about fulfillment. I’ve come to see happiness not as a value but as a byproduct of living in alignment with my values. For me, those values are Resilience, Authenticity, Compassion, Growth, and Integrity. These values guide my decisions, actions, and relationships. 

Resilience reminds me to keep going when life gets tough, to embrace challenges as opportunities for strength. 

Authenticity pushes me to live and act in a way that feels true to who I am, flaws and all. 

Compassion keeps me connected to others, reminding me to approach life with kindness and empathy. 

Growth drives me to continually learn, evolve, and become a better version of myself. 

Integrity ensures that my actions align with my principles, even when no one else is watching. 

These are values I feel genuinely connected to. And when I live by them, I experience fulfillment—not the fleeting kind that comes with temporary happiness but the kind that feels deeply rooted and sustaining. 

One of my biggest resolutions for 2025 is to let go of the pressure to be perpetually happy. There’s a certain cognitive dissonance that comes with projecting happiness all the time, especially when it doesn’t align with how you actually feel. I’ve realized that this dissonance doesn’t serve me—or anyone else for that matter. 

Does this mean I’m always sad? Absolutely not. It simply means I’m human. And as a human, I experience the full spectrum of emotions. Some days I feel joy and peace. Other days, I feel frustration or uncertainty. What’s important is that I live a life that’s true to my values, even when my emotional state fluctuates. 

Ironically, I’ve found that when I stop chasing happiness, I feel closer to it. When I embrace the highs and lows, I’m no longer stuck in the futile pursuit of something that isn’t meant to be permanent. And in letting go, I’ve found the truest version of fulfillment I’ve ever known. 

So, as we move into 2025, I encourage you to reflect on your own values. Use the list above to choose your top five. Ask yourself: Are you living in alignment with them? If you do, you might just find the fulfillment you’ve been searching for—not by chasing happiness, but by living a life rooted in your values. 

That’s the kind of life I’m striving for this year.

Reflecting on a milestone year of running 1,500 miles, I realize that many of those miles weren’t always 'happy.' True personal fulfillment comes from managing your time to pursue meaningful activities. Don’t let time pass you by.

Bernie’s Perspective: Embracing Core Values for 2025

As we enter a new year, I've been reflecting on the core values guiding my journey. Core values are more than just abstract ideals; they are the guiding principles that define us and influence every aspect of our lives. They serve as our internal compass, helping us navigate decisions, relationships, and challenges authentically and clearly. 

This year, I've focused on five core values: Balance, Family, Discipline, Focus, and Courage. These values are like the roots of a tree; although they may be invisible to others, they anchor us firmly, providing stability and nourishment for everything we do. They influence how we think, act, and feel, forming the foundation of our identity. 

This metaphor reminds me of one of my favorite concepts related to nature. Consider the great redwoods in Northern California. Not only are they magnificent in size and stature, but their lifespans can extend up to 1,000 years. These trees have withstood storms, fires, seismic activity, and humankind's impact, yet they continue to stand tall—their resilience lies in their roots. Deep beneath the ground, their roots intertwine, living and supporting each other, providing them with exceptional strength. 

This understanding profoundly illustrates the significance of a value system to me and how these values are interconnected, forming the foundation of our identity. 

While values often align with ethical principles, they encompass much more than "right" or "wrong." They represent what is most meaningful to us personally, professionally, and spiritually. For me, achieving Balance means finding harmony between work and personal life so neither aspect overshadows the other. This has challenged me, as I tend to be an all-or-nothing personality. As Michael and I work on developing Tiger Resilience, I find that most of my free time is dedicated to the business and creating our content and products. My goal for this year is to intentionally schedule balance in my life rather than trying to achieve it daily. 

Family represents the deep connections and support that fuel my purpose. This value is central to my life, especially as someone who came from a dysfunctional and broken family. Connecting with my wife, Valerie, and creating a wonderful life together, despite all the ups and downs, is a significant commitment for both of us. Our interdependence has influenced and nurtured Michael into the man he is today. Knowing that I am actually in business with my son brings exceptional warmth to my heart every single day.

Discipline is a commitment to consistent growth and improvement. This value, similar to balance, is something I either embrace fully or not at all. This year, I resolved to focus more on the small commitments that contribute to discipline in our lives. I am achieving this through one of the best tools: my journal and planner. Writing something down makes it significant, fostering commitment and allowing discipline to evolve. I appreciate the idea of psycho-neuromuscular interconnectedness, where physical writing has a tangible impact on our lives. It's as if we're programming our brains, similar to how a computer uses software. The great thing about this is that we are the ones who get to be the programmers. 

Focus has been a value that I have successfully maintained over the years. However, in recent years, I have struggled with it as the multitude of obligations and the distractions from the stimuli around us make it almost impossible to stay focused. As I mentioned before, my greatest tool and asset in this regard is my planner. I schedule blocks of work time without distractions, followed by free time that allows for some distraction. This way, I can enjoy a brief dopamine fix from the endless stimuli before returning to the task at hand. 

Courage is the strength to confront challenges directly, embracing change and uncertainty with resilience. Throughout my life, I have often believed that I possess considerable courage. However, there are times when I doubt my abilities and struggle to find that courage, especially in situations where I feel uneasy. This year, I plan to develop my courage by embracing another value: transparency. I aim to be more open with others and less concerned about feedback and opinions, which only serve to reinforce my authentic self. 

No two individuals share the exact same set of core values, even if raised in the same environment. Our life experiences, relationships, and self-reflections continuously shape and refine our values. As I continue to grow and evolve, so too will my understanding and expression of these values. 

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own core values. What principles guide your decisions and actions? How do they shape your identity and influence your path? We create a foundation for lasting purpose and joy by aligning our lives with our core values. 

As part of finding balance - I plan to spend more time actively engaged in music. This has always brought me serenity and a sense of spirituality.

The Psychological & Societal impacts of Values Explored 

The importance of core values is backed by both neuroscience and psychology. Here’s what happens when you define and live by your values: 

Neuroscience Insight: 

The prefrontal cortex is activated when you consciously reflect on your values. This region integrates logical reasoning and emotional responses, creating clarity and reinforcing purpose-driven behaviors. 

Hormonal Boost: 

When your actions align with your values, your brain releases dopamine, a reward chemical that enhances motivation and positivity. 

Cognitive Streamlining: 

Defining your values reduces decision fatigue by creating a clear framework for evaluating choices. This means fewer second-guesses and more decisive action. 

What is the Human Effect of Values?

• 85% of individuals who reflect on their values report higher life satisfaction.
• Those who identify and articulate core values are 25% more likely to achieve long-term goals.
• 40% lower stress levels are reported among people living in alignment with their values

The Values Compass 

The Values Compass is a framework that helps you apply your core values across different areas of life. Think of it as a tool to align your aspirations, relationships, growth, and daily habits with what truly matters to you. 

The Directions of the Compass  

North (Purpose): Guides your life mission and long-term goals. 

East (Relationships): Reflects how your values shape connections with others. 

South (Growth): Focuses on inner resilience and personal development. 

West (Daily Living): Influences your everyday habits and decisions. 

How to Use the Compass 

North (Purpose): What value drives your long-term goals? 

East (Relationships): How do your values shape your interactions with others? 

South (Growth): How do you nurture yourself in alignment with your values? 

West (Daily Living): How can your daily choices reflect your core principles? 

Navigating Life’s Shifts: When Values Change 

Values are deeply ingrained, but they can shift over time, often driven by major life events or personal growth. 

Why Values Shift 

Life Transitions: 

Major milestones such as parenthood, career changes, or the loss of a loved one often prompt a reevaluation of priorities. For example, someone who once valued ambition above all might shift to prioritize balance and family. 

Cultural and Social Context: 

Growing up, we inherit values from our families, communities, and cultures. As we encounter new ideas and perspectives, we may find ourselves questioning or reshaping these inherited beliefs. 

Personal Growth: 

Experiences such as therapy, education, or spiritual exploration can reveal new aspects of ourselves, leading to a redefinition of our values. 

Overcoming the Struggle to Redefine Values

Redefining values can feel disorienting, particularly if they conflict with long-held beliefs or expectations. However, this process is not about rejecting your past but embracing your future. With reflection and intention, you can align your evolving values with your authentic self. 

Viktor Frankl:  Finding Meaning and Purpose in the Darkest Moments

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist, demonstrated the life-saving power of core values. During his time in Nazi concentration camps, Frankl observed that those who maintained a connection to their values—whether love, hope, or purpose—were far more resilient in the face of unimaginable suffering. 

Frankl’s own survival hinged on his belief in the value of meaning. He clung to thoughts of reuniting with his wife, completing his work, and helping others. This unwavering connection to purpose gave him strength in moments when all seemed lost. 

In his groundbreaking book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl articulated the idea that life’s meaning comes not from our circumstances but from how we respond to them. His philosophy, known as logotherapy, is rooted in the belief that values can provide a lifeline in even the darkest times. 

Frankl’s philosophy, known as logotherapy, centers on the idea that meaning and purpose come from identifying and living by our values. He believed that this alignment is what allows us to transcend suffering and find fulfillment, no matter the situation. 

Key Takeaways: 

Values like love, hope, and responsibility can help us endure profound challenges. 

Reflecting on our purpose allows us to rise above suffering and create meaning. 

Explore Man’s Search for Meaning on Amazon 

Journal Exercise: Putting Values into Practice

Define Your Values: Write down 10 values. Narrow to 5 and describe why each matters deeply to you. 

Reflect on Alignment: Think of a recent decision. Did it honor your values? How did it feel? 

Visualize Your Ideal Day: Imagine living entirely in alignment with your values. What does it look like?

Use the Tiger Resilience Self-Esteem Journal 

The Tiger Resilience Self-Esteem Journal is designed to help you implement these exercises, track your progress, and align your goals with your purpose. By committing your thoughts to paper, you create a roadmap for transformation and growth. 

Order your journal here: Find it on Amazon. 

Final Thoughts: Living with Purpose Starts Here

At Tiger Resilience, we believe that core values are more than just words—they are the foundation of an intentional life. This is your opportunity to align with what matters most, creating a year of authenticity and purpose. 

If this resonated with you, we encourage you to explore our course for a deeper dive:

Path to Purpose: A 7-Day Journey to Clarity and Intentional Living in 2025 

Stay Resilient, 

Michael & Bernie 

Tiger Resilience

Transform your life in just 7 days!

Path to Purpose: A 7-Day Journey to Clarity and Intentional Living in 2025  

Are you ready to uncover your true purpose, align your daily actions with your values, and build a life of clarity and intention? Path to Purpose is more than just a course—it’s a transformational experience designed to help you tap into your inner strength and rise above life’s challenges.  

This transformational multimedia interactive mini-course is designed for individuals ready to create a life of meaning and fulfillment. With just 20 minutes a day, you’ll explore practical tools, exercises, and journaling prompts to discover your unique purpose and integrate it into your daily life. 

Start your new year with a renewed sense of direction and empowerment.

Our program begins on January 6th, 2025. Visit us at Tiger-Resilience.com to learn more!

References:

Schwartz, S. H. (1992). Universals in the Content and Structure of Values. 

Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man’s Search for Meaning. 

Positive Psychology Journal (2021). The Neuroscience of Core Values. 

American Psychological Association (2023). The Role of Values in Mental Health.