Written by: Alecia Wellen, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
We have all been there: promotion snagged, fear conquered, graduation day complete. The highest place has been reached, yet shortly after celebrating, a sneaky thought enters the mind: What is next?
All too often, the achiever in all of us narrowly considers the next goal. Goals are essential, and we can set and achieve them all day. Some take longer than others, but the endless list of goals gets boring.
What if we seriously consider who we want to be in addition to what we want to do?
At the start of any coaching engagement, I ask my clients, “Do you live by any values?” I get a kick out of consistently getting this bizarre look and answer something like, “Yes, of course I do!” The next obvious question is, “Can you list your top three to five values you live by?” The bizarre looks turn into a blank stare or radio silence. There is a slight panic in the air.
Of course, we all live by a set of core values, but when was the last time you listed them out and took inventory of what is important to you in how you live your life?
An important exercise is value clarification by taking inventory of how life is lived instead of looking at a list of pre-recorded values and shopping for some that seem acceptable. What values are present in actions taken and daily decisions can help create a clear and intentional list of values. It is important to remember that values can and will change, so there is no reason to make this list based on anything but the present truth.
Once a list is made, sorting them into importance is an insightful way to see what is most important. From there, assigning a rank or number scale associated with how each value is represented can shine a light on growth areas. For example, suppose adventure is a value listed as high importance but is ranked middle or low on the scale. In that case, it may highlight a desire to travel more to experience the value of adventure more dominantly. It may lead to a reflection about what is getting in the way of honoring a value of such high importance, which can lead to a goal around planning more travel to be aligned with that value and a feeling of more fulfillment.
Values are intangible and form a large portion of our personal brand. Values represent our higher self and guide our words, decisions, and actions. Understanding values is akin to understanding the self. How we dress, who we spend time with, and body language represent our values and are often perceived just by observing each other in a room.
When you are ready to do something bigger, better, and different, the first place to consider is who you want to be on the other side of doing. Gaining insight into who you are requires clarity and intention with the values employed to guide you. When leveling up, the first consideration of values leads directly to fulfillment. The values themselves create a roadmap of what matters most, helping one to stand in their power and live the life of their dreams.
If you are ready to start your journey to your next best self, start with a values exercise and get ready to read the next article in this series titled Top Three Considerations When Leveling Up: Part 2, Fulfillment.
To learn more about meeting your next highest self, email alecia@aleciawellen.com or visit here.
Alecia Wellen, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Alecia Wellen draws upon 20+ years of professional experience in varying roles in the financial sector: compliance, marketing, operations and sales capacities. As the Founder + CEO of her own coaching and consulting firm she offers professional coaching, consulting and Reiki to national and international leaders and high achievers looking to leverage their inflection points to reach a higher potential, whether it be in their personal or professional lives. She is seasoned in helping entrepreneurs, executives and small businesses explore where they are now, how they want to accelerate and elevating them to where they want to go next.
