Doing Work that Matches Your Values

‘Don't worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.’ – Howard Thurman

Not caring about your work, that there's little point to it, feeling that you're not fulfilling your potential but not knowing what else you can do can leave you feeling bored, frustrated and even depressed.

When you do enjoy your work then you're doing something that matches your interests, strengths and values. Your work reflects the real you, the person you really are right now. You're present, focused and engaged in what you're doing and not wishing you were somewhere else in a different job.

In order to take steps towards doing the work you want to do, it's helpful to identify what your values are. Throughout your life you acquire a set of values: beliefs, ideas and qualities that are important to you. For example, you may believe that you should always be honest or that you must always be loyal and committed. Whatever you believe, your values are a central part of who you are and who you want to be.

When what you do does not align with your values, things feel wrong. But when the things that you do match your values, you feel confident that you are doing the right thing. You'll also be able to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. It's not about becoming a different person: it's about becoming more of the real you.