When Dennis Sy talks about living with intention, he doesn’t just mean setting goals or making vision boards. For him, it’s about having a compass that guides every choice—whether in your career, relationships, or finances. And that compass, he says, is built from your faith and values.
“Your belief system—whether it’s rooted in faith, a personal philosophy, or core values—shapes your priorities,” Sy explains.
Without that compass, it’s easy to get lost in chasing what’s urgent, popular, or profitable—without asking if it’s truly meaningful.
The Compass That Keeps You on Course
Sy believes that how you see life shapes how you live it.
“If you see life as a gift and yourself as a steward, you’ll invest time, skills, and resources differently,” he says. Instead of focusing only on what’s urgent, you’ll also consider what’s sustainable, beneficial, and aligned with your purpose.
His own guiding verse is found in John 10:10: “Jesus came that we might have life (ZOE), and have it abundantly, which in its original meaning means the source of all life.”
Faith as the Foundation for Purpose
Faith, Sy says, is often underestimated in its influence on decision-making.
“We underestimate the role of our faith sometimes when we all know that our faith determines what we truly value,” he notes.
Whether or not you share his beliefs, Sy argues that everyone lives by a set of values—and those values become the filter for major life choices. That’s why clarifying your convictions comes before aligning with your purpose.
How Values Affect Time, Talent, and Money
Sy believes your values determine how you handle three major resources:
Time – What you say yes or no to.
Talents – How you use your skills and strengths.
Finances – How you budget, give, save, and invest.
For example, someone who values generosity might structure their budget around giving, while someone who values family might turn down lucrative opportunities that require too much time away from home.
Avoiding the Trap of Misaligned Ambition
Without a strong values compass, it’s easy to pursue goals that don’t truly matter to you. You can end up with achievements that look good from the outside but feel empty inside.
The solution, Sy says, is to keep asking: Does this align with my core values?
Practical Steps to Clarify Your Compass
To help readers identify their own compass, Sy suggests:
Revisit moments when you felt most alive and fulfilled.
Ask trusted friends what strengths they see in you.
Reflect on what energizes you versus what drains you.
Consider the legacy you want to leave.
The clearer you are about your values, the easier it is to make decisions that align with your purpose.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Anchoring your decisions in faith and values isn’t just about personal fulfillment—it’s also about impact. When your life aligns with your core beliefs, you build trust, strengthen relationships, and contribute more meaningfully to your community.
“A well-designed life doesn’t just change you, it impacts everyone around you,” Sy says.
Your Next Step
Think about the last big decision you made. Was it guided by urgency—or by your values? If you’re ready to live with more clarity and conviction, start by identifying your compass.
Learn how to anchor your decisions in your deepest values with Dennis Sy’s Design Your Life—your guide to living with intention.
Get your copy here and start designing your life today.
