Finding meaningful work that aligns with your values can be challenging, but also rewarding. It can boost your self-confidence, motivation, and happiness. But how do you discover what kind of work is right for you? Here are some tips to help you on your journey.
Your values are the fundamental beliefs that shape your choices and behavior. They demonstrate what is meaningful to you and what you stand for. To determine your values, consider questions such as what you are passionate about, what you excel at, which causes or issues you are passionate about, which traits you admire in others, and how you want to make a difference in the world. Write down your answers and look for any patterns. Then, select the three to five values that are most important to you.
Quite often, I have come across the word 'Ikigai' and my immediate reaction was 'Well, this is not for me. I do a job, make a decent contribution to my company, justify my salary and that should be it !'. But perhaps something deep inside me, kept on pushing me to move towards picking up a work profile which is aligned to my value. And now when I see myself working in the space of sustainability helping organizations to streamline their sustainability function, it gives me a different kind of satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment ! It is not only helping my clients but also the planet we live in and the communities. My takeaway - Reflection of our core value at work can help us be a better professional and a better human being !
To find meaningful work that aligns with your values, start by identifying your core values, passions, and strengths. Research industries and companies that resonate with these values. Network with professionals in your areas of interest for insights and opportunities. Attend industry events, join relevant groups, and connect on LinkedIn. Consider volunteering or internships to gain experience and evaluate fit. This approach helps you discover fulfilling and value-aligned work.
Actually, I agree with identifying our values to find a great place to work. The proposal's questions are an excellent first step in this discovery. Also, it is essential to consider what things are most important to me. For example: time, family, happiness, value, money, and respect. How can we identify this? Thinking about what you need, what activities you do in your free time, do you want to impact? what kind of impact do you want? Sometimes I have found people who have values that do not align with them. So the risk is they are in the wrong job.
Great question! Finding meaningful work is key to unlocking your full potential. Tip: Identify your core values & strengths. What energizes you? Then, explore industries where those values shine. I help professionals bridge the gap between passion and purpose. Connect if you'd like to chat!
Once you have a clear idea of your values, you can start exploring your options for meaningful work. Researching different fields, industries, and organizations that align with your values can help you get a better sense of what kind of work suits you. Networking with people who share your values and work in areas that interest you can also be beneficial. Additionally, consider volunteering, interning, or shadowing in settings that match your values. Taking online courses, workshops, or podcasts that teach you new skills or perspectives related to your values is another great way to gain more insight. The more knowledge and experience you gain, the more confident you will become in discovering what kind of work is right for you.
In this case, I prefer to call this point an Explore your Skills or Strengths. For me, meaningful work should be aligned with my best skills, things where I am able to shine, and where I complete the rest of the team.
As you explore your options, you should evaluate your fit for each one by assessing your strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, comparing your values with the potential employers or clients, and considering the practical aspects such as salary, location, hours, and benefits. Additionally, asking for feedback from mentors, peers, or coaches can provide valuable insight. By evaluating your fit in this way, you will be able to narrow down your choices and focus on the ones that are most compatible with your values and goals.
and at the same time, I put criteria to evaluate options. A pros-cons list is a good tool for this evaluation. When we are looking for a fit job, we need to think about the kind of business. For example: if I have experience in IT consulting but my values are focusing on wellness, organizations who build health or wellness software can be fit for me. Changing the mindset to be able to find new options or create possibilities
The final step is to take action and pursue the work that aligns with your values. This can include creating a compelling resume, cover letter, and portfolio to showcase your value proposition, applying for jobs, projects, or gigs that match your criteria, preparing for interviews, negotiations, and contracts, and following up and building relationships with potential employers or clients. Taking action can be daunting but also exhilarating; it can help you conquer your fears, doubts, and insecurities while also demonstrating your self-confidence, zeal, and professionalism.
When tackling a goal, it's often helpful to break it down into smaller, manageable milestones. For instance, if your goal is to apply for jobs, your milestones might include tasks like revising your resume, crafting cover letters, researching 10 potential positions, and completing 5 job applications. You can also attach small rewards to each of these milestones to help maintain your motivation, such as granting yourself an hour of free time, enjoying an ice cream sundae, or going out for dinner with friends. By celebrating these successes along the way, you not only stay motivated to achieve your overall goal but also boost your confidence to keep moving forward.
Discovering meaningful work that aligns with your values is a lifelong process that requires continual learning. To stay on the path to success, seek feedback and opportunities for improvement, update your skills and knowledge, expand your network and connections, and revisit your values and goals regularly. Doing so will help you adapt to changing circumstances, grow as a person, and find more fulfillment in your work. Ultimately, finding meaningful work that aligns with your values can be a rewarding journey that boosts your self-confidence and happiness.