Values Are the Foundation—But They’re Not the Whole Picture
In my last post, we talked about identifying your core values—the invisible compass guiding your life. If you haven’t done that work yet, I encourage you to start there. Because values are the foundation of everything we’re about to build.
But here’s the truth: knowing your values is only one way to start zeroing in on who you really are.
There are many assessments and programs that can help deepen your self-awareness. I’ve taken a few. The one that helped me the most was something called Emergenetics—it tells you how you think and how you behave. Knowing both of those things can be incredibly helpful in understanding why you do what you do.
For me, it explained a lot. As it turns out, the way that I think is quite different than most of the population. That answered so many questions I’d been asking myself for years: Why do I seem so different?
While these assessments aren’t necessary, I wanted to give them a shout-out. If you have the opportunity to participate in something like Emergenetics, Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, or similar tools—jump at the chance.
But now, let’s get back to the real content for this week.
Turning Feelings Into Actionable Intelligence
If we know what is important to us—our values—it makes it a lot easier to make decisions, both personally and professionally.
We can now turn feelings that are a result of requests into actionable intelligence on how we should proceed. A confirmation of sorts: Do I do this or not? And how important is it?
Values also guide us directionally when it comes to important career decisions.
Here’s something I don’t often say out loud (don’t tell my leaders this): I’m not really a huge fan of the corporate environment. It’s too toxic, too limited, and not good for overall work-life balance.
But I’ve been able to make decisions based on my own mission, passion, and purpose—And that makes the big, clunky corporate machine easier to work with.
What Sets You Apart
Something I have always known is that I like to teach others. To help them grow. And it’s something I’m very good at.
I can give people skills so they can reach higher heights than I ever will. Growth mindset.
In a large team environment, if that happens with multiple people, it becomes a multiplier—a way to lead to better outcomes.
It was after I discovered and wrote down my Mission, Passion, and Purpose that it made it easier to discern which leaders, roles, and functions I was willing to work within.
Earlier in this blog, I talked about working to determine what sets you apart from others.
This is it.
Mission, Passion, and Purpose: What’s the Difference?
Let’s break down these three concepts so you can define your own.
Mission: What You Do
Your mission is the action you take in the world. It’s the “how” of your contribution.
Example (mine):
I partner products, processes, and people in a way that helps improve the banking and fintech worlds.
Passion: What Fuels You
Your passion is what energizes you. It’s the work or activity that you could do for hours without feeling drained.
Example (mine):
Teaching others, helping them grow, and watching them exceed what I could do on my own.
Purpose: Why You Do It
Your purpose is the impact you want to have. It’s the deeper “why” behind everything you do.
Example (mine):
To create environments where people can thrive, grow, and contribute meaningfully—so they feel fulfilled and empowered in their work and lives.
Why This Matters
When you have clarity on your Mission, Passion, and Purpose, everything shifts.
You can:
- Make career decisions with confidence
- Set boundaries without guilt
- Choose roles, leaders, and teams that align with who you are
- Answer the question “What do you do?” in a way that reflects your true self—not just your job title
Example:
When anyone asks me what I do, I don’t say, “I’m a [job title].”
I say: “I partner products, processes, and people in a way that helps improve the banking and fintech worlds.”
As long as I work toward even a small item each day that aligns with that purpose, I’m fulfilling it.
The Exercise: Define Your Mission, Passion, and Purpose
Take some time this week to do this exercise. You can do it for:
- Your main job
- Your home life
- A side hustle
- Volunteer work
- A creative project
I have two sets—one for work and one for home. They have the same values and actions but lead to very different outcomes.
Here’s how to start:
Step 1: Reflect on these questions
- Mission (What you do): What action do you take in the world? What do you contribute?
- Passion (What fuels you): What work or activity energizes you? What could you do for hours without feeling drained?
- Purpose (Why you do it): What impact do you want to have? What’s the deeper “why” behind your work?
Step 2: Write it down
Don’t overthink it. Just write. You can refine it later.
Step 3: Test it
Does it feel true? Does it energize you? Does it help you make decisions more clearly?
If yes, you’re on the right track.
How This Helps in Real Life
Next time you’re in an interview or writing a cover letter, you can tailor your responses using what you come up with.
No more worrying about how to answer when the kids—or anyone—asks you what you do.
You’ll have a clear, authentic answer that reflects who you are and what drives you.
And when it comes to goal setting (yes, we’re heading into that time of year), this work makes it so much easier.
An Invitation: Embrace Goal Setting This Year
As we come to the time of year where goal writing becomes the avoided task, I ask that you invite it in.
Take the time. Look at the goals provided to you (if you’re in a corporate environment). Break them out and ask: What can I do in my current role?
Base your goals on your Mission, Passion, and Purpose. Then set strong but not impossible specifics. Each month, revisit and write down your progress so that at mid-year and end-of-year, you’re ready to show what sets you apart—what makes you you—unique and authentic.
Final Thought
Your values are your compass. Your Mission, Passion, and Purpose are your map.
Together, they help you navigate decisions, align your energy, and live authentically—no matter what environment you’re in.
So take the time. Do the work. Write it down.
Because when you know what drives you, everything else gets clearer.
Authentic Evolution Journey 