Aha! That’s it! That’s what I’ll start doing!

Ever walk out of a workshop feeling super charged? Ready to jump into action with all those great ideas you just learned?

When I was new to leadership, I was hungry for advice on how to be a “good” leader. I devoured leadership books and went to workshops led by leadership gurus.

At first, I would hang onto every word I read or heard. These experts seemed to have all the answers!

But then I noticed some ideas just weren’t landing with me. They didn’t fit. Yet other ideas were tremendously inspiring.

It didn’t take me long to figure out why.  It was all about alignment with my values — who I wanted to be, out in the world.

When an idea synched with my own values, I would think to myself, Yes! I can’t wait to use these tips to help new staff feel welcomed! Or Bingo! This is just what I need to encourage open discussion at next week’s strategy meeting with the executive team!

For many of us, values can be powerful, compelling motivators. They point us in the right direction — especially when we’re trying something new, navigating a challenging situation or making a difficult decision.

Related: Who Makes Those Tough Decisions? You!

Values-Driven Inspiration

We pay a price when we lose sight of our values. We can feel out of sorts. Unsure of our direction in our personal or professional lives. With our eyes cast downward, we miss important opportunities.

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations clearly conflicting with our values. It can be downright deflating in these circumstances.

Many years ago, a friend took a job as a sales rep for a company representing itself as “a rising star” in a highly competitive industry. Committed to building and maintaining authentic relationships with her clients, she focused on selling products to fulfill their needs.

When the sales team failed to meet its annual goals, her boss demanded each sales rep increase their sales 20% by upselling. My friend objected, saying she couldn’t sell customers products they didn’t need just for the sake of a sale. “It’s not about the customer,” she was told. “It’s about making money to take the company to its next level.”

You can guess what happened next.

My friend lost her oomph. Her enthusiasm. Her inspiration. Because she wasn’t willing to compromise her values, it was time to explore new pastures.

She was soon hired by a company with an entirely different approach to sales. One with a good match to hers. Where customers were treated with integrity.

My friend’s mood transformed from flat to fired up. She steadily built her book of business based on her core values of authenticity, trust, honesty, communication and service.

She told me the whole experience was the wake-up call she’d needed — at work and in her personal life.

Revisiting her core values — reflecting and recommitting —made her feel “like myself, again!” And it motivated her to recalibrate other priorities in her life, too.

As my friend experienced, living your values helps you feel:

• grounded, centered
• authentic
• at one with your beliefs, morals and priorities
• self-respect
• and inspired!

Power Challenge: Find Inspiration in Your Top Values

Did my friend’s experience resonate with you? When was the last time you thought about your values?

In fact, what are your values? In a blog post a few years ago, I offered a short “starter” list of values. Here it is again. Jot down the values that feel right to you — as many as you want. Add your own if you like! (If you’re finding this challenging, check out the original article.)

Now, look at the list you jotted down. Circle the five values that are most important to you at this time. Only five! (Of course you can have more, but it can be hard to maintain your focus if you have a long list. So, please find your top five.)

Next,  lean into the feeling of inspiration. Here’s how.

Look at the first item on your list of five.  Close your eyes and imagine or remember a time when you fully expressed this value in your words and actions. How does it feel? Soak it in! Do you want more of that feeling, more often? I’ll bet you do!

Now do the same for the other four values on your short list. But please don’t rush through this! You’re reconnecting with important parts of yourself.

Finally, think about a current work or personal situation you’re finding difficult or challenging. One where you’re not sure what to do or what decision to make. Something that has you a little bit stuck.

Using the five core values you just identified, ask yourself — value by value — how each one offers direction or guidance for this situation. Does it illuminate new options? Help you narrow down your choices? Do you feel inspired to take action (or perhaps ease into acceptance)?

Whatever the outcome, my hope is you’ve discovered how your values can be a source of ongoing inspiration!

For Inspiration, Turn to Your Values

Sometimes inspiration happens spontaneously. You might see or hear something that lights you up. Or maybe you’re hit with a cool “wow” moment out of nowhere.

Other times you’ll have to generate your own inspiration. At those times, turn to your values. They’re always there for you — rain or shine. They can guide you or help you get a new perspective on a persistent problem. And they can motivate you, too.

Sometimes you just need to remind yourself to tune into them — and find ways to (re)incorporate them into your life.

It’s as if something “clicks” when your decisions and actions are aligned with your core values. It feels good. It feels right! And you’re both inspired and propelled to move forward with renewed energy.

Looking for a motivational speaker for your next event? Carla energizes and inspires attendees to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Contact her today.