How KNOWING YOUR VALUES CAN BOOST YOUR CAREER
You’ve probably heard it before—how important values are for your life and career. But the mere mention of “values” can evoke very different reactions. Some people instantly appear weary of another buzzword-laden chat while others light up and lean in - eager to explore themselves further.
So, here’s the question - are values really that important for a fulfilling life and career? And if so, why? To answer that, let’s take a leap back to the 4th century BC and revisit Aristotle’s concept of Eudaimonia.
What Is Eudaimonia, and Why Should You Care?
Eudaimonia—roughly translated as “human flourishing” or “the good life”—was Aristotle’s vision of deep fulfillment. But it wasn’t about fleeting pleasure or passive contentment. Instead, Eudaimonia is the result of actively living a life of purpose, one where your actions align with what you value most.
Aristotle believed that the motivation to live well comes from our intrinsic desire to fulfill our potential and strive for excellence. It’s a philosophy that’s just as relevant today as it was centuries ago. Research shows that employees who find meaning and autonomy in their work are more engaged, productive, and satisfied. And yet, they remain the minority.
So, what holds us back?
Modern Challenges to Thriving
Imagine if Aristotle visited our world today, he’d likely be astounded. We live in a time of rapid technological change, constant distractions, and a relentless drive for financial and material prosperity. Our attention is under siege and I reckon it is pretty easy to feel disconnected, out of alignment, burned out or lost. Our climate and environment, world politics, and personal lives are fraught with challenges that often make thriving feel like a distant dream.
In such a world, it’s easy to lose your ‘inner voice’. Many of us are stuck in survival mode, reacting to life instead of shaping it. But this is precisely where Aristotle’s wisdom can anchor us. His teachings remind us that flourishing is not a matter of luck—it’s a choice. So why don’t we spend more time correcting ourselves along the way?
The Power of Values in a Distracted World
Your values are your compass. They guide you through a world that constantly pulls you in conflicting directions. When you’re clear on what you value most, you make better decisions, feel more confident, and live with greater intention.
But here’s the catch - living a values-aligned life requires effort. You must first identify what matters to you—your deep self—and then make the hard, deliberate choices to act accordingly.
What does your deepest self value most?
How are you living like those values truly matter in your working life?
If you’ve never asked yourself these questions, now is the time.
Why Exploring Your Values Can Transform Your Career
When you know your values, you can:
Live more purposefully. Purpose isn’t some mystical thing that appears out of nowhere—it’s rooted in aligning your actions with what you care about again and again and then moving towards this. Let your values guide you and narrow your focus.
Reduce the overwhelm you feel. This world is chaotic and your values can act as a filter, helping you say “yes” to what aligns and “no” to other things that are less authentically you, you can walk your talk as Brene Brown Says.
Build Resilience. When life gets tough (and it will), your values remind you of your “why,” helping you stay grounded and motivated.
Now what?
I challenge you to take time this week to reflect on what truly matters to you. Ask yourself:
What moments in my life and working life have felt the most meaningful?
What qualities do I admire most in others?
When have I felt most alive, and why?
Write your answers down. Look for patterns. And then start aligning your actions—one small step at a time—with those values.
Eudaimonia is within reach. But it won’t happen by accident. It’s up to you to choose it, to live it, and to thrive.