#104. Why Your Calendar Feels Off — And What Values & Needs Have to Do With It
You keep trying to “get it together.” You’ve downloaded the planners, blocked off your calendar, and maybe even said “no” once or twice.
But it still doesn’t feel right.
You’re overwhelmed. Exhausted. Resentful. And the root cause might not be a broken system — it might be a missing connection between how you spend your time and what actually matters to you.
Let’s talk about values and needs — two invisible drivers that make or break your sense of balance.
Values vs. Needs — What’s the Difference?
Values are your guiding compass — the long-term principles that shape what matters most to you (e.g., creativity, peace, authenticity, growth).
Needs are your oxygen mask — the non-negotiables that keep you functioning well day-to-day (e.g., rest, connection, structure, variety).
When your time doesn’t reflect your values…
When your needs aren’t getting met…
You’ll feel it. That’s what creates the “off” feeling in your calendar — even when it looks “manageable” on paper.
Want to Know What You Really Value? Look at Your Calendar.
There’s a saying: “If you want to know someone’s priorities, look at their calendar.”
Most of us cringe when we do that.
Because our schedules often reflect:
What’s urgent — not what’s important
What other people need — not what we value
What’s expected — not what’s energizing
That’s where burnout and misalignment creep in.
How to Identify Your Core Values and Needs
✅ Download this free worksheet to follow along.
Here’s the basic process I use with my coaching clients:
1. Read through a list of sample values and needs. Highlight the ones that resonate — no editing or overthinking.
2. Group similar ones together. For example, creativity + growth + learning might all belong in one category.
3. Choose 3–5 core values and 3–5 core needs. These become your compass and oxygen tank.
4. Ask: Are these reflected in how I spend my time each week?
If not — that’s your starting point for change.
Real-Life Examples of Misalignment
Your core value is peace, but your days are stacked back-to-back with no breaks.
Your need is predictability, but your schedule changes weekly.
Your value is creativity, but you haven’t created anything in months.
These disconnects aren’t failures — they’re feedback.
And once you notice them, you can begin to rebuild your time with intention.
“You don’t need a new planner. You need a schedule that honors your values — and meets your real-life needs.”
Why This Matters for Burnout Prevention
Burnout doesn’t just come from doing too much — it comes from doing the wrong things for too long.
When your needs are ignored and your values are unexpressed, everything starts to feel like a drain.
But when your schedule reflects what matters to you, something amazing happens:
You have more energy
You feel less guilt for taking breaks
You stop comparing your life to others’
You create alignment — and balance follows.
Ready to Rebuild Around What Actually Matters?
If you’re staring at your calendar thinking “this doesn’t even feel like me,” you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
📅 Book a free consult and let’s map out a values-based schedule that finally feels good.