In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of being “aligned” has become a crucial part of both personal and professional growth. What does it mean to make aligned decisions? What do we want to align with?
Understanding Aligned Decisions
Aligned decisions are not just about making choices that feel good in the moment; they are about ensuring those choices are consistent with our core values, priorities, and long-term objectives. Aligned decisions help us navigate uncertainty, as they serve as a compass directing us towards our desired outcomes. Early in my career I aligned my job decisions with specific criteria in mind—being close to family, affording a new car, and having the opportunity to dress up for work. These early requirements set the guidelines for my decision-making.
Evolution of Alignment
There was a pivotal moment in my career during the economic downturn of 2009 when I was laid off. This forced me to reevaluate my goals and priorities. I added in the requirement of stability to my job choice. With this new set of criteria I found my love for manufacturing, where I spent the next 15 years. We need to be flexible and open to realigning our goals as we navigate different life stages.
Discovering Personal Values
In my late thirties, I was introduced to the concept of values in a profound way. Through a leadership coaching exercise, I identified the qualities I most admired in others and began to define my own values. This self-reflection led me to recognize traits like creativity, authenticity, and compassion as guiding principles in my life. I regularly revisit and find ways to keep these values visible to keep them at the forefront of my decision-making. The picture below was my laptop background so I could see my values everyday.
I also love to try new tools to get curious about my values. Recently, I’ve tried the “Values Bridge” tool by Suzy Welch. This quiz helped me identify my top values: family-centrism, voice, achievement, and agency. By understanding these values, I can recognize and better navigate the conflicts that arise in decision-making between values that may conflict. I highly encourage you to take some time and get curious about what your core values are.
Key Takeaways
- Alignment is only meaningful if you define what you’re aligned TO
- Alignment evolves as your life evolves
- Everyone’s value-mix is unique
- Alignment isn’t about getting it “Right” – It’s about staying curious, reflective, and honest with yourself