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Finding Clarity and Imperfection as a Gift

Finding Clarity and Imperfection as a Gift

Also: Book recommendation, trending articles, and more

April 22, 2025

Time to get a bit personal today

While we talk a lot about very practical career development strategies in this newsletter, let us not forget that our careers are only one part of our lives.

And what we do in our careers does not define us. We are so much more than the title that we have at work.

So today, we’re primarily focusing on areas that you’ll want to think about aligning with your career. Finding clarity about what’s most important to you in all areas of your life.

Then, you can make career adjustments to help you live the life you want.

Additionally, I share a fabulous book, especially helpful for those with perfectionist tendencies like me. It will teach you how to embrace your story and make deep and meaningful connections with others, which is one of the keys to a life well-lived.

In today’s newsletter:

How to find clarity in your life
How imperfections are a blessing

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CAREER TIPS

Finding Clarity: Aligning Your Goals with What’s Important to You

In our journey through our life and career, it's common to feel a sense of directionlessness, like we're drifting without a clear purpose. This lack of clarity can lead to reactive and opportunistic decisions, rather than intentional and proactive ones.

However, there's a way to break free from this aimless state, and it starts with gaining clarity about what truly matters to us. We'll explore a series of questions that can help you uncover your deepest priorities, align your goals, and pave the path to becoming the person you aspire to be.

Feeling rudderless can be frustrating, especially when it seems like our actions lack purpose or direction. In such moments, we must remind ourselves that setbacks and challenges are an inevitable part of the human experience. But how can we transform this frustration into a positive force for change? We can dream a little and consider what really gets us excited!

To facilitate this transformation, let's delve into a series of questions in different categories that will help you gain the clarity you need to set meaningful goals and embark on your journey with intention.

Family and Relationships: What kind of family do you want to have? What does family mean to you? Consider the role of a spouse, children, and your chosen community in this vision.
Location and Environment: Where would you like to live? Describe your ideal living environment, whether it's in a bustling city or a tranquil rural area.
Transportation: What kind of car do you want to drive (if any)? Is there a specific type of car you aspire to drive or an alternative mode of transportation that resonates with you?
Skill Acquisition: What skills, languages, or abilities do you want to learn? Identify areas where you'd like to invest your time and effort for personal growth.
Experiences: What types of experiences do you wish to have? This could encompass travel, networking, or any opportunities that broaden your horizons.
Financial Aspirations: How much money do you want to make? Look beyond the number and consider what financial stability and resources mean to you.
Service and Contribution: In what ways do you want to help others? Reflect on how you can make a positive impact on people's lives.
Philanthropy: Are there specific causes or charities you want to contribute to? Define how you'd like to leave a mark on the world through charitable work.
Spirituality: Describe your ideal spiritual life and your relationship with a higher power or greater purpose.
Health and Wellness: What is your ideal level of health? Include specific health-related achievements or goals.
Hobbies and Personal Enjoyment: Are there hobbies or leisure activities you want to make more time for? Consider how these pursuits contribute to your happiness.
Community Involvement: How do you want to contribute to your community? Think about the role you'd like to play in civic and social issues.
Legacy and Reputation: How do you want others to describe you as a person? Envision the qualities and values you wish to be known for.

By answering these questions and gaining clarity on your true priorities, you're not just setting goals; you're defining the person you want to become. Armed with this newfound understanding, you can chart an intentional path forward, making choices and taking actions that align with your deepest values and aspirations. Your journey becomes more intentional, and your life and career gain greater meaning and satisfaction.

So, embrace the power of clarity and embark on the transformative journey toward the life you truly desire.

📚 BOOK RECOMMENDATION

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Wholehearted living is a philosophy about being able to wake up every morning and think, 'No matter what gets done, or how much is left undone; I am enough.' And, it's also about going to bed at night and acknowledging our imperfections, vulnerabilities, and fears.

The Gifts of Imperfection teaches us not to change ourselves to adapt to expectations; instead, we should embrace and engage with our imperfections. The core insights center on empathy, understanding, and adopting "wholehearted living," so that we start living for ourselves, and not for other people.

We're living in a culture of shaming ourselves and others, so there's never been a better time to engage with Brown's tenets for life. It's a movement fueled by the freedom that comes when we stop pretending that everything is okay when it isn't.

It's not an easy process, and we'll wonder how it's possible to feel so brave and so afraid, simultaneously. Because, according to Brown, to live wholeheartedly is to feel brave, afraid, and, most importantly, alive.