Whatever your politics, whomever you voted for and however you believe our country should be led, there is little question that the world has shifted in recent weeks.
And so, no matter how the U.S. election has left you feeling, it’s a good idea to recalibrate.
In fact, re-evaluating what matters most to you on a regular basis and anytime your world shifts is a key tenet of my Professional Careers by Design model. It will help ensure you are always making the best decisions possible, by clarifying your personal and professional priorities, and then keeping them at the heart of your choices.
This can be a grounding process when you feel untethered. And it may very well illuminate new and promising possibilities for your future.
What matters most to you, revisited
If you have followed this blog for long, you have probably heard me discuss my signature coaching question “what matters most to you?” I keep coming back to it because we all benefit when we root our decisions in something meaningful, and there is nothing more meaningful than the people and priorities that give your life purpose.
Even in steady, quiet times, the things that matter most to you can shift. People move in and out of your life. New interests emerge, while others drop off. And we are always growing, redirecting and changing. The birth of a child or an illness in the family can clarify and reshape many aspects of life, including where you want to spend your time and energy.
So, too, can external forces like economic uncertainty, industry upheaval and, yes, sociopolitical change.
That’s why I urge people to regularly revisit what matters most to them on an annual basis at a minimum, and anytime the world shifts — close to home, at a global scale and anywhere in between.
Making (and living) your list
Examining what matters most to you is as simple as making a list. There are no wrong answers, and there’s no wrong way to frame them. Here are some examples to get you started:
- My faith community
- Early retirement
- Showing up for my child
- Connection with my spouse
- Making partner in my firm before I turn 35
- Securing my family’s future
- Getting involved in a community cause
- Starting my own business
- Spending time outdoors
- Travel
Make your list of 10 priorities, then rearrange them in order of priority. There’s lots you can do with this list, but the simple act of making and arranging it will give you a clearer lens for professional decision-making.
For example, if securing your family’s future is at the top of your list, you might think twice about taking a pay cut for a new job. Meanwhile, if showing up for your child means attending sporting and theater events, you may decide against going after a role that would double your commitment to travel. And if the political environment has left you fired up, you may choose to get involved. Conversely, it may mean it’s time for you to turn inward and spend more time outdoors, with your spouse and exploring your faith.
A practice for a lifetime
The great thing about this process of listing and arranging priorities is it’s equally appropriate and helpful in good times and challenging times. It will help you stay connected to the things you care most about … and it will ensure your choices are rooted in what has meaning for you.
I suppose it could also serve as a helpful bit of context for how you use your vote.
