By Katy Ripp
Over the past couple of months, we’ve talked about how gaining clarity on your values can help you feel less stuck, set better boundaries and stop apologizing for wanting something different.
But, here’s the thing: values don’t just live in your personal life. They show up at work too — in your decisions, schedule and your leadership style. Values are even reflected in how you deal with money, clients and opportunities.
This Is What Alignment Looks Like at Work
When you know what you stand for, you don’t have to overthink every choice. You stop riding the indecision carousel because your values give you direction.
If you value integrity, you’ll pause before saying yes to something that doesn’t sit right in your gut. You’ll speak up when it matters, even when it’s awkward or uncomfortable.
If freedom is one of your values, you might protect your creative time or stop cramming your calendar so full that your days feel like a sprint to happy hour.
If growth is important to you, you might finally hire a virtual assistant or delegate that task you keep pushing off but will move a project forward.
Your values influence your leadership, how you spend your time and energy, and the decisions that feel right long after you make them.
A Quick Gut Check for Your Work Life
Pull out a sticky note or open your Notes app and answer these questions:
- What part of my work gives me the most energy lately?
- What part feels heavy or draining, even if it’s technically “working?”
- Is there a value I’m honoring? Or one I’m ignoring?
Be honest. There’s no gold star for getting it “right.” What you will find is insight to help you move forward.
Quick Action: Let One Value Lead
Think of a decision you’ve been avoiding. It can be big or small. Now examine it through the lens of one of your top values. What becomes clearer? What would feel like a relief to let go?
When you trust your values, you stop needing permission. You stop explaining and pretending. You lead with who you are — and that changes everything.
Still not sure what your core values are? I developed a free Values Discovery Guide to help you find yours. It’s simple, soulful and full of examples that will make things click.
Next month, we’ll explore how values show up in our communities — and how honoring yours helps you build better teams, deeper friendships and more honest connections.
Katy Ripp is a certified coach, business strategist and podcast host of “#ActuallyICan.”
