This week, I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Kamel Hothi OBE speak, and her words were powerful. Through her story, she reminded us of the importance of values and purpose in your life and career. 

But this takes understanding your values first. So I ask you, do you know your values?

Through a series of questions we were challenged to think, in three words how:

• Would your colleagues describe you?
• Would your family and friends describe you?
• Would you like to be described as?

For me in that moment, it was kind, resilient, and making a difference (yes I know the last is not one but three words but stay with me). 

And one final question, how do your three words balance with the values of the organisation you work within?

Through her incredible and inspiring story from her childhood, family life through her career - which you can read more about here, - Dr. Kamel shared how understanding her values has shaped who she has become today. Staying true to herself, she uses her values as a compass for everything she does in life and in her work, even if it meant risking it all. 

It made me refelct that most people just “turn up” in life - they tick boxes, meet expectations, follow the path laid out for them. But leaders, changemakers, and those who truly live with intention? They dig into the why. They take the time to connect their actions to something bigger than themselves.

The famous author Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” 

If you are reading this, then you certainly had the first most important day! But what about the second? What is a fundamental moment in your life that jumps out to you?

If you have been following me for a while, you will know that for me, it was when I lost my brother nearly 3 years ago. It changed my life forever, and every day I challenge myself to improve, so I can positively impact more people's lives. I want to make a difference, which takes immense resilience as I continuously push myself out of my comfort zone, and I always act with kindness in my heart. 

You don’t need a crisis to find your purpose. But I bet you can think of a moment in time that changed the trajectory of your life.

The time you stood up to the class bully.

The time you were told you were not good enough.

The time someone helped you, when they had no reason to. 

Or maybe like me, it was losing a loved one. 

Purpose has been the thing that’s helped me take the next step even when I was scared. It’s what gave me courage to push through self-doubt, to start over, and to keep going when things felt hard.

So, do you know and live by your values? Does your purpose guide you? Is it the thread that connects your choices, your dreams, and the way you want to live?

If you don’t know yet, that’s okay. In fact, that’s normal. It takes reflection, digging deep, answwering some life questions, and sometimes a good push from someone who believes in you (I do BTW!). 

My free downloadable “50 questions to ask yourself guide” would be a great place to start getting your thoughts onto paper, or you can simply start by answering the questions in this blog. 

The more you discover about yourself, the more you will be able to steer your career and life with meaning, purpose and fulfilment.  

And when you find your why, everything else starts to fall into place.

Always with love,
Elsa x