How to Align Your Career with What Truly Matters

— A Simple, Powerful Process to Clarify Your Core Values and Desires

Imagine waking up excited for your day—not because everything is perfect, but because you’re living in alignment with what truly matters to you.

That’s what this work is all about.
And it’s exactly what I did when I was trying to figure out what was next in my own career.

My Journey Toward Alignment

Back when I was working for the international art book publisher, TASCHEN I had this dream of starting something of my own—but I didn’t know exactly what that would look like.

First, I thought about becoming an artist agent. I started reaching out to artists I’d worked with in the gallery world, helping them get into more shows and sell more work. I planned to take a 20% commission.

But something didn’t quite click.

Next, I considered travel blogging. Then I got obsessed with podcasting. After that, I thought I might want to be a health coach, so I enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Eventually, all of that exploration led me to where I am now: a Career Coach for Creatives.

And the common thread through it all? I kept returning to the same process I’m sharing with you today—one that helped me uncover what felt aligned and true.

Why This Work Matters (And Why It’s Never “Final”)

Getting clear on your core values and desires makes everything easier.
It helps you make decisions with confidence.
It helps you feel more grounded.
And it brings you closer to fulfillment—not the kind that’s based on external success, but the kind that starts from within.

This isn’t a one-time exercise. You’ll evolve, and so will your values.
That’s why this practice is something you can revisit any time you feel out of alignment—or just want a refresh.

Step 1: Reflect Honestly

Start by downloading the [free PDF guide here]. On the first page, you’ll find a few simple reflection questions.

Answer them with three to five words that best reflect your truth.
Go with your gut. Don’t overthink it. Don’t answer based on who you think you should be—answer from your real, authentic self.

Here are the questions:

  • Where do you spend the most time?
     (For me: home, coffee shops, museums, AA meetings)

  • What do you invest the most money in?
     (My answers: coaching, clothes, art supplies, food)

  • What subjects are you obsessed with and love talking about?
     (My favorites: art, career, spirituality, personal development)

After you answer, go back and highlight any themes or repeated words that show up. That’s where the magic starts to reveal itself.

Step 2: Define Your Aligned Career Values

Now turn to the next page of the PDF. You’ll see a long list of core values.
Circle the ones that match the themes you discovered—and feel free to add your own!

Try starting with up to 10 words, and then narrow it down to your top 3–5 values. Choose the ones that feel most energetically aligned with who you are and what you want.

My core values, for example, are:

  • Creativity

  • Integrity

  • Adventure

  • Well-being

Once you’ve got yours, use them as a filter for career opportunities, client work, business ideas—everything. When something doesn’t align, it’s probably not your path.

Step 3: Connect with Your Core Desires

Now ask yourself:
If I fully lived these core values in my life and career, how would I feel? What would be the impact?

Write it down.

For me, when I imagine living in alignment with my values, I feel:

  • Connected to a higher purpose

  • Fulfilled and inspired

  • Of service and able to impact others

  • Part of a like-minded community

  • Able to share my gifts and truth

  • Trusting of myself and others

These are my core desires—and they’re likely connected to yours, too.

Here’s the Truth: You Don’t Have to Wait

You don’t have to wait for the perfect job, the next big milestone, or a future version of yourself to access these feelings.

You can experience connection, purpose, and fulfillment now.
You can take tiny steps toward alignment today.
You can choose actions that reflect your values—right here, right now.

That’s when the energy shifts. That’s when you start calling in opportunities that match who you really are.

Let This Be a Living Document

This isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about getting real.
You’ll evolve. Your desires will shift. That’s human.
But the more present and honest you are with yourself, the easier it becomes to create a career—and a life—that feels like home.

So come back to this practice whenever you need clarity.
Let it ground you, guide you, and reconnect you to what lights you up.

And if you haven’t already—
 👉 Click here to get the free 12-min video + PDF guide
 It’s a beautiful place to begin.

Lauryn HillComment