Chip Conley’s TED talk reminded me that I am happiest when I am counting what really matters to me.  

Conley founded “Joie de Vivre Hospitality” (Joy of Life) and is a leader in the hospitality industry because of his perspective that joy has a central place in the workplace. He is an international speaker and the author of a number of books, including his most recent, “PEAK: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow.” (I haven’t read it yet, but it is next on my list.)

His talk also reminded me that I am happiest when who I am aligns with what I am doing. 

When that equation is seamless, I am me, and I am at my best.

Each of our formulas may be different, but as long as both sides of our personal equations (I value = I do) are equal, we are being true to ourselves.  And, I believe when we are being true to ourselves, we make the world a better place for all of us.

If you haven’t already, take some time to figure out what you really value, and then spend some time determining if that is what you are “counting.”

$$$$$€€€€€££££££    Money?

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥      Love, relationships, family, friends?

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦      Diamonds, bling?

™©® ™©® ™©®       Designer clothes, foods, furnishings?

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞      Religion, spirituality, meditation?

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΚΛΠΣΥΦΨ    Education, learning?

↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑      Upward mobility?

↑↓→← NSEW  ↑↓→←     Travel?

What do your signs look like?   Are you happy with the “sum” of your symbols?  Do they add up to who you want to be?

If your equation is working, celebrate!  

If not , don’t worry, and please, please don’t let “test anxiety” keep you from examining your life. (I have done that at times – not such a good idea.)  Instead of letting regrets or fears get the best of you, begin moving in the direction of who you really want to be.  Each step you take toward creating the life you want, makes the next step a bit easier. You can do it.  This is real life – not a test, and in real life, you do not need to get all the answers right, and I believe we get bonus points for trying!

Take time to explore your values.  What do you really care about?  How can you make what you value a part of your life or your organization? What can you do to bring your values and actions into alignment? 

If you need help getting started, check out my brainstorming worksheets or email me at wishfulthinkingworks@gmail.com

Signing-off for now,

Patrice, ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΚΛΠΣΥΦΨ↑↓→←NSEW ↑↑

PS More thoughts about Conley’s TED talk ahead.