It’s easy to think of our personal and professional lives as two separate things. I used to think that my personal values were distinct from my professional ones — that my career had its own set of priorities and goals that didn’t necessarily intersect with who I am at my core. But over the last couple of years, I’ve found myself questioning that distinction, realizing that fulfillment (personally and professionally) comes from doing work that aligns with my values, blurring the lines between “who I am” and “what I do.”
Looking back, I can see the professional choices I’ve made were often influenced by values I held personally, even when I didn’t recognize them. Integrity, purpose, creativity, and community aren’t just characteristics I appreciate outside of work — they’re principles I’ve found myself drawn to in the roles I’ve taken on. And, I’ve found, that by connecting my work with these values, I’ve been able to unlock a kind of satisfaction and motivation that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
Discovering Authenticity in Work
“Bring your whole self to work.” What does that actually mean? It’s not about simply showing up as I am but allowing my core beliefs to be the driving force behind my work. When I started aligning my career choices with my values, work didn’t feel like a series of tasks or responsibilities. Instead, more of an extension of who I am and what I believe in. This shift has redefined my approach to projects and opportunities.
When your values align with your work, work is no longer just a job. It’s a purpose. By making decisions that reflect my values, I don’t just meet job requirements but am working toward something bigger than myself. This alignment leads to a sense of authenticity that’s both empowering and inspiring. It fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, making even the most challenging days worthwhile.
At mindful MATERIALS recent Form Summit an attendee captured something profound about the transformative power of work that aligns with personal values. She noted the energy brought by both familiar and new faces to meaningful conversations highlights the vibrancy that purpose-driven work can ignite. In a world where “the game board will continue to change,” the work we do may be challenging and complex, but it becomes a collective journey rather than a solo struggle when shared with others who care just as deeply. For many, the opportunity to engage in work that mirrors their values is rare, making it all the more essential to embrace that power when it arises. She encouraged us to “step into that power” — to lean into our values and let the momentum for positive change keep building. By aligning work with what matters most, we not only fuel personal fulfillment but also contribute to a larger shift toward impact-driven progress.
Navigating Value-Based Challenges
The path to value-driven work isn’t straightforward, at least it wasn’t for me. There have been times I’ve found myself in roles that didn’t align with my beliefs, where I felt an internal struggle between what I was doing and what I believed. Those moments taught me the importance of using my values as a guiding light. In those challenging experiences, I realized that when my work doesn’t align with my values, it drains my energy, and I feel disconnected. On the other hand, when my values are honored, I thrive.
These lessons helped me establish guard rails for what kinds of projects and roles I want to pursue. The work that aligns with my values may not always be the most straightforward path or financially rewarding in the short term, but it always provides a deeper sense of satisfaction.
The Blurring of Personal and Professional Values
For a long time, I thought my personal and professional values were distinct — almost as if they existed in different worlds. I felt I had to be one person at work and another outside of it. But over time, I’ve seen that they aren’t as different as I once believed. And more importantly, that I didn’t want them to be different.
For example, kindness and community are two of my core values, so it makes sense that I would seek a workplace culture that fosters those qualities. Similarly, sustainability and social impact are important to me outside of work; I naturally gravitate toward work where I can contribute to those causes professionally. This alignment allows me to show up as my authentic self without needing to “switch off” parts of who I am.
We’re gearing up to celebrate mindful MATERIALS 10th anniversary at Greenbuild next week, and as part of the celebrations we are honoring a handful of individuals who have greatly impacted mM’s first 10 years. I had the opportunity to interview one of the honorees and we got to talking about how fortunate we both feel to do value-aligned work.
“As sustainability leaders, we’re privileged to be in roles where our personal and professional values can exist in harmony, allowing us to bring our whole selves to the work we do and to lead authentically in ways that resonate deeply with what we believe in,” he shared.
The Benefits of Value-Driven Work
You find a unique motivation and resilience when you do work that aligns with your values. When my work aligns with my values, I’m more willing to go the extra mile and tackle challenges head-on. This is because I’m not just working for a paycheck; I’m investing in something I truly believe in. The satisfaction that comes from this alignment is a reward in itself.
Another bonus? Value-driven work attracts like-minded individuals, creating a community of passionate people committed to similar causes. This sense of community has been instrumental in my professional journey.
Creating Impact Through Aligned Work
Ultimately, aligning your work with your values enables you to create a positive impact, in your own life but also in the lives of others. Value-driven work has a ripple effect. It inspires others to do the same and contributes to a culture where integrity and purpose are valued.
If you’re questioning whether your work truly reflects your values, here are five steps to help you find greater alignment and purpose in your career.
Reflect on What Matters Most
Take a step back and identify your core values. Consider what truly matters to you — whether it’s integrity, creativity, or community. Clarifying these values will serve as your guide in finding alignment.
Assess Your Current Role
Look for areas within your current position where you can bring your values to life. Are there opportunities to shift your focus, champion a cause, or lead a project that resonates with you personally? Sometimes small changes can make a big difference.
Seek Out Value-Aligned Projects
If you’re looking for a deeper connection between work and values, actively seek out projects or tasks that align with your beliefs. This may mean volunteering for cross-departmental initiatives, advocating for sustainable practices, or contributing to social impact efforts within your organization.
Explore New Roles
If your current role doesn’t allow for alignment, consider exploring roles or companies that share your values. Look for organizations with missions and cultures that align with what you believe in—it may be the right time to make a change that fulfills both your career goals and your personal values.
Consider a Side Venture
Sometimes, bringing your values into your work can mean creating something entirely new. A side venture, nonprofit, or personal project that reflects your passions can provide a unique outlet, allowing you to make an impact in a way that feels true to who you are.
Aligning your work with your values isn’t just about finding a fulfilling job; it’s about making a difference. No matter which path you choose, know that the journey is worthwhile, bringing both personal satisfaction and a positive impact to those around you.
Editor’s Note: Jen Levisen is a writer passionate about connecting and storytelling and using both to educate and highlight impact. She serves as the Director of Communications for mindful MATERIALS and calls southern Minnesota home, where she can most often be found chauffeuring her two boys around town. Connect with Jen on LinkedIn or by email.