If you’ve met me and talked to me for a few minutes, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard me talk about core values. The longer I engage in coaching and consulting, the more I’m convinced that (for both individuals and organizations) the path to thriving begins with knowing your core values.

Whether I’m working with an individual or an organization, one of our early sessions will focus on values. I really enjoy seeing eyes light up as my clients get excited about exploring this new dimension of what drives them.

Discovering your core values is fantastic, but the transformative work begins when you learn how to center those values in your life – by taking actions aligned to those values. It’s great to know your values, but it doesn’t mean much unless those values are at the heart of what you do on a daily basis.

For example, one of my personal values is Intentionality. I try to do things “on purpose” (instead of doing things by chance). Of course, this shows up in big decisions, like where I live, my career, my friendships. But this also shows up in the little decisions. I love to bring intention into my day by making a cup of tea. I choose the cup I want to use, select the type of tea I want to drink, heat the water, wait for it to steep, then enjoy the steam and savor the first sip. It takes less than 10 minutes, but it feels like an action I take “on purpose” to bring calm and intention into my day.

We can practice values alignment in our work, as well. At B to C Solutions, one of our values is Curiosity. We want to learn and grow, and we like to begin our work by asking questions. Another of my personal values is Problem Solving, and I can honor my desire to solve problems by starting with curiosity in my work. It feels fulfilling to honor both my personal and professional values in alignment.

And that’s the point: We find fulfillment and satisfaction by living a life and doing work that supports what’s most important to us. Living in alignment with your values is how you arrive at thriving.

If you or your team needs support in moving toward thriving, please send me a message. I would love to help you discover your values or make plans to bring your values into action.