Grasping one's true values is often challenging, as individuals may reflect on their desires and ideals rather than confront reality. Introspective methods like journaling can align more with an ego ideal than genuine self-discovery. True understanding comes through examining choices made in daily life, which reveal authentic values, often contrasting against conscious beliefs. For example, comfort tends to dominate contemporary Western values, leading to avoidance of emotional confrontations and prioritizing immediate gratification over growth. Actions speak louder than words; one might claim to value courage and connection, yet their choices might suggest otherwise, showcasing a gap between expressed ideals and lived experience. To facilitate self-awareness, monitoring how time is spent and with whom can provide honest insights. Values incur costs; for instance, valuing self-development requires sacrificing comfort, underscoring that all choices, and thus values, have associated trade-offs.