From Recipes for Success Podcast: S2:Ep 3 Defining Success, Aligning with Values & your Future Self (Solo Episode)
In the pursuit of career success, many of us strive for the recognised external markers of achievement: a stable, high income, promotions, and prestigious awards and accolades. Why when we achieve those things, does there still linger a sense of emptiness, unease or dissatisfaction? If you find yourself in this position, questioning why your outward success hasn't translated into inner fulfilment, you're not alone.
As a career coach for women, I've had the privilege of guiding individuals through such moments of introspection, helping them unravel the complexities of their professional lives. And what I've often discovered is that the key to unlocking true fulfillment lies not in the pursuit of external accolades & accomplishments, but in understanding and aligning with one's core values. Practically speaking, the more you live your life according to your values, the better you life will be.
Photo by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash
Values serve as the foundation upon which we build our lives and careers. Values come from deeply ingrained beliefs that shape our decisions, actions, and aspirations. Our values are our greatest indicator of what's important to us in life. Yet all too often, we find ourselves in situations where our values clash with the demands of our work environment.
Like many ambitious professionals, I found myself climbing the corporate ladder at a rapid pace. I had a successful career, a comfortable income, and all the trappings of external success. Yet, despite these achievements, I couldn't shake the feeling of discontent that lingered beneath the surface.
As I began to delve deeper into my values, I uncovered this internal conflict that had been brewing within me. On one hand, I valued ambition and professional growth, driving me to excel in her career. On the other hand, I held integrity and authenticity in high regard, yearning for a work environment that aligned with my values of honesty and transparency.
It was this clash between ambition and integrity that left me feeling unfulfilled in my corporate job. Despite the outward signs of success, I realized that my work environment was at odds with her core values, leading to a sense of dissonance that no amount of external validation could resolve.
It was this clash without my career, that inspired me to leave corporate and set up my own business. And while the transition wasn't without its challenges, she ultimately found a role that offered the perfect balance—a workplace that valued transparency, empathy, and personal development as much as it did professional achievement.
My story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of values in shaping our careers and our lives. As women navigating the complexities of the modern workplace, it's essential that we take the time to understand our values and prioritize them in our career decisions.
Whether you're based in Ireland or halfway across the globe, the principles of values-based career coaching remain the same. By partnering with a career coach like myself who understands the unique challenges and aspirations of women in the workplace, you can gain clarity, confidence, and direction in your professional journey.
So if you find yourself yearning for greater fulfillment in your work, I encourage you to take a step back and reflect on your values. What truly matters to you? What are you willing to compromise, and what are you not? By aligning your career path with your core values, you can create a future that is not only successful but deeply satisfying—one that honors the unique talents, passions, and aspirations of the woman behind the title.
Hi, I'm Heather, a career coach & mentor on a mission to help women globally discover their true career potential.
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