Talane’s Blog of the Week, January 15, 2007

A Classic Tip from Talane...
Align Your Values and Vision

The key to having fulfilling work is to do something that is in alignment with your highest values. I'm not referring to values in the moral sense of right and wrong, but rather in the sense of doing what you truly love to do - that which is of intrinsic worth to you personally. When you are living in accordance with your values, you are most fully alive and most fully yourself. For example, you might value creativity and invention. You might value travel and adventure, or perhaps peace, or being spiritual. You might value risk, experimentation, or perhaps grace, beauty, or elegance.

People value different things. When do you feel most alive? Take a moment to reflect on the peak moments in your life. Look back and see what the highlights of your life have been. One client realized that one of the highlights of his life was giving his high school graduation speech. He valued inspiring others. Now he is a professional speaker, and his work requires that he continually inspire others. He couldn't be happier and is thrilled with his work.

The most rewarding careers are those that allow and perhaps even demand that you express your values fully. We are best when we are fully living our unique values. Take a few minutes to review your personal history and list the peak moments of your life. Next to each, write down why that moment was important to you. Now write down the value it reflects. Choose your top four or five and write them down.

Now, start a project that honors one of your top values.

Enjoy!
Talane