I Am Struggling to Find My Values and Objectives—How Can I Find Meaningful Work?Alex’s Story: Stuck in Job Applications Without Knowing What He Truly Wants
Aligning Work with Personal Values: The Key to Meaningful Success
What truly matters to you? What do you stand for?
Your personal and professional values shape your decisions, career path, and overall satisfaction in life. When work aligns with your values, it feels meaningful and fulfilling. But first, you need to define them.
You might think, It’s easy to say, “define your values,” but what if I don’t know mine? Don’t worry—here’s a step-by-step guide to help. Read through each question and take a moment to reflect on your answers.
What Are Your Personal and Professional Values?
Personal values reflect what’s important in life—honesty, creativity, compassion, freedom.
Professional values guide your career—growth, impact, autonomy, collaboration.
Do you know yours? Take a moment to list them. What drives you?
Who Are You? Identity and Work
Identity is ever-changing. According to social psychology, we present different identities in different contexts (Tajfel & Turner, 1986). Who are you at work? With friends? At home? Which version feels most authentic? Which identity do you want to nurture?
Finding the Right Career Fit
Once you define your values and identity, the next step is aligning them with your career. Are you in the right field? Does your job reflect what you stand for? If not, it might be time to explore other paths.
Self-Determination: Making It Happen
Knowing your values is one thing. Acting on them requires determination. Do you want to work for someone or start your own venture? Both paths demand motivation and effort. If you crave independence, entrepreneurship might be for you. Prefer stability? Find a company that shares your values.
Alex is frustrated. He’s been applying for every job he sees, but nothing feels right. His interviews don’t go well because he can’t clearly explain why he wants the role.
The problem? He has no idea what his values are or what he truly wants. He’s stuck in a cycle of uncertainty.
Step 1: Identifying Values
Alex starts working with a positive psychologist. The first step? Figuring out his values. Through exercises, he realizes he values creativity, autonomy, and impact. These insights shift his mindset—no wonder random job applications haven’t been working! He wasn’t applying to roles that align with what drives him.
This is where positive psychology becomes crucial. At its core, positive psychology emphasizes the importance of meaning—one of the key pillars of well-being. By aligning his career choices with his values, Alex is beginning to build a sense of meaning in his work, which is essential for long-term happiness and fulfillment.
Step 2: Understanding His Identity
Next, Alex explores his identity. At work, he tries to fit in, but he feels disconnected. According to social psychology, we present different identities in different settings (Tajfel & Turner, 1986). Which version of himself does he want to embrace? He realizes he thrives when he’s leading projects and solving problems. He’s not just an employee—he’s a creator and a strategist.
Step 3: Defining a Vision and Mission
With his values and identity clear, Alex sets his vision: to work in a role where he can create meaningful solutions. His mission? To find or build a career that lets him use his strengths while making an impact.
Step 4: Finding the Right Career Fit
Now, instead of applying randomly, Alex narrows his search. He looks for jobs that match his values—creative problem-solving roles, leadership positions, and companies with a mission he believes in. Suddenly, his applications stand out. His interviews improve because he speaks with clarity and confidence.
Step 5: Staying Determined
Self-determination fuels this process. It’s not just about knowing what you want—it’s about committing to the journey. Alex keeps refining his search, networking, and upskilling. He also considers entrepreneurship. Does he want to build something of his own? The answer becomes clearer as he grows.
What About You?
Are you applying for jobs that align with your values?
Do you know your work identity?
What’s your vision and mission?
Are you determined to take action?
Finding meaning in work isn’t luck—it’s a choice. What choice will you make?
If you’re feeling lost or stuck like Alex, know that you’re not alone. Discovering your values and aligning them with your career can be a transformative journey. Positive psychology offers powerful tools to help you explore what truly motivates you, uncover your strengths, and find purpose in your work.
