*It has been a popular concept in the self-help world that focusing on your values will simplify your life. I contend the opposite: the overwhelming amount of things that people have to do comes from their values. Values are critical elements for meaning and direction and decision making. But don’t kid yourself—the more you focus on them, the more things you’re likely to feel responsible for taking action on. Your values make it easier for you to make choices, but don’t think they will make things any simpler.