Values and Work

I hear about so many people who hate Mondays. It’s not really Mondays they hate. It’s what they have to DO on Mondays. Which is to force themselves to get up and go to work!

If we don’t look forward to our work, it could be that what we do at work does not fit into our value system. We need to know what our highest values are to have a life of happiness and fulfillment. Values are our compass. If our decisions do not fit in with our values, it leads to unhappiness every time.

Values are those things or qualities that we feel we NEED in order to be happy. They can include

  • love
  • caring
  • connection
  • freedom
  • money
  • friends
  • time with family
  • nature
  • peace
  • knowledge/learning
  • teaching
  • accomplishment
  • making a difference
  • relaxation
  • comfort
  • adventure
  • travel
  • and hundreds of other examples

Living according to our values, which are personal and unique, creates a life of happiness and fulfillment. Going against our values in any situation leaves us feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, and even resentful.

If you find yourself hating Mondays, determine your value system. Find work you love doing that fits into your value system. This can take time, I know, and you still have to go to work this coming Monday…

In the meantime, find a way to tie what you do at work, into your values.

For instance –  if one of your values is “to make a difference”, see in how many ways you are making a difference in someone else’s life during the workday. Taking a tired colleague a cup of tea, doing the photocopying for a busy co-worker, or even setting a meeting at a more convenient time, are examples of “making a difference”. Find examples of where your work tasks satisfy your values and it’s almost guaranteed to make a difference in how you feel about going to work.

I’d love to hear from you. Let’s hear where your values and work fit together or not?

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Liesel Teversham

Liesel helps HSP introverts to embrace their sensitivity as a superpower, and overcome obstacles so they can thrive. She also works with clients to solve their health issues, and has authored 2 books. More here.

Published on 2014/02/03

Personal Values

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