Know Your Value and Create the Life You Want

In my 30 years of experience helping people to heal and create a life they want, I have been struck repeatedly with how essential it is for each of us to do the necessary soul searching to design and live by our own definition of success. In this celebrity and media-crazed culture we live in, it is easy to get confused. We need to craft a success that is meaningful for us, not one that just impresses other people. 

I have worked with hundreds of clients who have been tortured by the agony of living according to someone else's values, misconceptions, scripts, or formulas. While the media or your family may worship fame, money, or prestige, none of these guarantee happiness for you, unless you freely choose them. Whether you are 24 or 84, it’s time to stop the lies and live a life that matches your values. 

Look beyond dollar signs. We all deserve prosperity; the starving artist syndrome serves no one. Yet, fulfillment in life means knowing what you want while appreciating what you already have, and having the self-worth to think independently and create a life that’s original and right for you. 

Be realistic. I have a client now who keeps brainstorming with me about ideas for this elaborate consulting business. But if you look at her life goals – paired with her chronic health issues – she really only wants to work 20 hours a week. That eliminates many of her ideas, at least at this stage. The best time management strategy is to let go of fantasies and to work within your boundaries. 

Plan ahead. This month, take a day to reflect on and write down your own definition of success that expresses what you know to be true about yourself. This process gives you a guiding light of clarify to rely on daily as you begin to transform your life to live by your values. To keep yourself on track, consider crafting a Personal Mission Statement as you continue to follow your goals. 

–Gail McMeekin, Career Coach