What truly matters to you in your life? These driving forces are our values, the guiding principles by which we live our lives, our way of expressing and relating with the world. They are the silent forces behind many of our actions and decisions. Values are what we gravitate toward, what feels right, what matters to us, providing meaning and fulfillment. They serve as our compass, pointing us in the right direction and keeping us on course.

For example, you may value connection with others and therefore seek opportunities personally and professionally to develop these connections - and when you do, you feel that spark of energy; you feel a sense of flow and ease. Those you are connecting with feel that too. That is the power of living life according to your values.

Values are the intangibles that represent the essence of who you are. They are felt by you and by others interacting with you. They are the activities, experiences, circumstances and behaviors that matter most to you, which you are drawn to again and again.

Here are some fill in the blanks exercises to help you begin to discover your values...

•        I am someone who...

•        I am known as one who stands up for...

•        My friends would say I believe in...

•        Success, to me, means...

•        What matters most to me is...

•        I am proud that I...

Being full aware of your values will help you making choices in life, whether it is choice of career, employer, friends, place to live.... 

Why is this important for your occupation to discover your values?

If you work for an employer or industry that aligns with your values - you are already on the same page with what you feel is important, you have a similar mission, similar goals. You feel heard, connected, and like-minded... This is true for relationships of any kind as well as communities you live in.

When your values are not met - yet not compromised either, there is a neutral feel. The experience may be just fine though you may find it challenging to stay excited about the role, place or people once the newness wears off. In your career, you may understand the organizations big picture goals but not have much heart connection to them.

When your values are compromised in your career - the organization's mission, tactics, goals go against what you value, you may find it challenging to be there, challenging to do the work that is expected of you. It will feel "wrong" in your core.