This morning I found myself thinking about my journey to who I am at this moment and who I want to become tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. I re-realized that when I am out of alignment with myself, nothing else lines up either.
What does it mean to be out of alignment? Are we cars that need regular tire checks and wheel re-alignment? Are we math equations on a number line? Are we pyramids or skyscrapers that, if the cornerstone is misplaced can become completely out of balance and come crashing down? We can draw analogies of ourselves to any of these things. In reality, to be out of alignment with yourself means that you are not living up to the person you want to be. This does not mean you need to be perfect all the time. It does mean that you need to be aware of your values, your strengths, your fears, your passions, your weaknesses, your dreams, desires, and goals. You need to know who you are on the inside and work to make your outward actions reflect that.
Are you in alignment with your work? Is your work in alignment with you? Do you go to work excited to be there? Are you helping your organization reach its goals and objectives? Is your work helping you reach your personal goals and objectives?
If no, what needs to change – you or your work? Perhaps just your attitude to your work. Perhaps it’s time for a new job. Perhaps it’s time for a new outlook on a current job.
How can your strengths, not just your job skills, add to your fulfillment at work?
It isn’t your boss’ job to make your work life fulfilled; it’s your job. It isn’t your boss’ job to make sure you live up to your full potential; it’s your job. It isn’t your coach or mentor’s job to make sure you do the homework assigned that will make you a better person or better at your passion; it’s your job. If you’re not happy, you can change that.
If other people at work aren’t happy and you can cheer them up or help them see their own power, you can make a huge difference. If you are not in alignment with yourself, you will never be in alignment with your work, your passion, your potential, or your future.
Take time to consider your personal alignment. Then, take time to consider how your personal alignment lines up with your professional life. How can you make your personal life and your professional life more in alignment with each other?