Title: From the Locker Room to Life: Aligning Daily Actions with Core Values
By Dr. Bruce Lund
After speaking at LSU’s iconic Tiger Stadium, I was struck by something beyond the grandeur of the venue or the passion of the players. What stood out most were the core values plastered everywhere—from the banners in the locker room to the motivational signs on the practice field. These weren’t just decorative slogans. They were reminders. Anchors. Daily cues to stay aligned.
We talk a lot about core values in organizations. Companies plaster them on walls, websites, and onboarding packets. But how often do we—as individuals—take the time to define and live out our personal core values?
That’s the disconnect I want to address.
The Real Game Is Internal
It’s easy to operate on autopilot. The demands of work, family, and society pull us in a hundred directions. Before long, we find ourselves chasing outcomes—money, recognition, success—without questioning if our behaviors match who we say we want to be.
Alignment means your daily habits reflect your deepest beliefs. It’s showing up as the same person in private that you project in public. It’s having the courage to say no to things that don’t serve your mission—even if they offer a quick win.
Why Personal Core Values Matter More Than Ever
In a distracted, comparison-heavy world, core values give you clarity. They become your filter for decision-making, your compass during hard times, and your measuring stick for growth. Just like LSU’s football team uses them to build culture and accountability, you can use your values to build a life that actually feels like yours.
Here’s a Challenge:
- Define your top 3–5 personal core values. Not what sounds good, but what feels true.
- Audit your behaviors. Are your time, energy, and money aligned with those values?
- Make daily decisions through that lens. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
Final Thought
The best teams don’t just talk about culture—they live it. And the most fulfilled people aren’t the busiest or most popular—they’re the most aligned.
Your core values shouldn’t live on a wall. They should live in your calendar.
