Choosing the right career or reevaluating your current job situation takes patience,
introspection, focused thinking and action. To find a satisfying career or a fulfilling job that
enhances the quality of your life requires commitment and perseverance on your part.

There is no relationship between the time one makes a career decision and their ultimate
success in that career. However, what we do know is that many successful people switch
careers numerous times throughout their lifetime before settling on one that’s right for them.
Research shows that people are now changing jobs every two or three years, and changing
careers anywhere from three to seven times in their lifetime! With this type of data we can
conclude that it takes people some time before figuring out what makes them happy and truly
satisfied in their career or job situation.

There are many factors to consider in your career decision making process such as: abilities,
values, experiences and any practical considerations (expenses, family, training requirements,
geographical location, etc).  For the sake of this article, we will focus on clarifying values and
explaining what exactly this means and how one can define their values.

Clarifying your Values
Clearly defining your values (the essence of who you are) and understanding what you honestly
want out of life is not always easy. With our day to day routine and daily grind we often do not get
the time to really think about who we are, what we are truly passionate about or what we want
out of life.

Values create a basis for how we view life. When you are clear about who you are and can make
decisions based on your values then you will create fulfilling outcomes and environments.
Values will change over time however, it is important to use your determined values as a
foundation and check-in source when making decisions. Less stress and less conflicting
choices will result from using something concrete such as your value list to make decisions.

So how do you determine your values? Although you can choose values from a pre-determined
list, the best way to define your values is through your own identification. Below are some steps
to help you clearly define your values.

Personal Reflection
In order to get clear on you defining the essence of who you are there are several questions you
may want to ask yourself (brainstorm) and then write down your answers.

•        What are you truly passionate about? What brings you alive?
•        When have you been most creative and enjoyed your work the most?
•        If money were no object what would you do?
•        Have you ever did something and lost track of time? What was it?
•        What is missing from your life? What would make it more satisfying?
•        How do you define success?
•        What do you absolutely have to have in your life to feel whole or fulfilled?
•        What would you like to say about yourself at the end of your life? What would you like
     others to say?

Create a list
Once you have spent time brainstorming on the above questions it is time to start creating your
values list. Keep in mind at this point you do not need to come up with a single word for each
statement instead you can use several words. It may be difficult at this stage to pinpoint one
word for each value so I suggest you use a few words to describe your own meaning for each
statement or value.

Rank
Now that you have a list of values it is important to rank order them and prioritize your list. Start
from the top and list which values are most important to you at this time in your life. Next to each
value rate how much you feel you are honoring your value at this time. Pay attention to those
values with lower scores and think about what is preventing you from honoring these values. Is
it your lifestyle, work, family, health, relationships, education, personal growth etc.? This
exercise will help clarify whether you are living a life or pursuing a job/career that is aligned with
who you are.  

Create a values statement
As soon as you create your list and identify which values are most important to you create a
values statement. This values statement is a like a mission statement for how you want to live
your life. Designing your own mission statement will provide a basis for living your life and give
you a clearer sense of direction.

Create a card
Lastly, now that you have your values statement, write it down on a card and carry it with you at
all times. You may even want to laminate your card. Make sure it can fit in your pocket, wallet or
purse so you can refer to it at anytime. Reading your values statement will help give you more
energy and put you in a happier mode. Referring to your card will also allow you to see if your
goals match your values. Finally, when faced with any type of decision you can refer to your
values statement to help guide you in making the best choice.

Live your life
Identifying your values and living a life in accordance with who you are can bring you much more
career satisfaction. Although there are several factors that come into play when seeking more
fulfillment in your professional life identifying your values is at the core of finding true happiness.
When you feel dissatisfied or like something is missing it is important to revisit your values to
find out if you are living by these principles. If not then it is time to reevaluate your situation and
values list to investigate the missing link. It is vital to live your values in everyday life both at
home and at work to help you live in accordance with the person you are and want to be!
How to Identify your Values and Create Career
Satisfaction
by Erin Suess
Life Coaching Designs
Design your Best Life