"我们的抱负应该与我们的核心价值观保持一致"

Aligning our ambitions with our core values is all about ensuring that what we strive for in life is in harmony with what we believe in deep down. It’s about finding that sweet spot where our dreams and our principles meet. Think of it this way: if your ambitions are the GPS, your core values are the map. Without the map, you can’t be sure the GPS is leading you somewhere you truly want to go.

Historically, this idea has been around for ages in various forms. Philosophers like Aristotle talked about "eudaimonia"—which means living a fulfilled and happy life—by aiming for goals that align with virtue. In modern times, we might think about it in terms of personal satisfaction and mental clarity. When your goals are at odds with your values, you end up feeling like you’re swimming against the current. It’s exhausting and unsustainable.

Imagine a doctor who pursued medicine because they genuinely want to help people. Their core values are compassion and service. Now, if their ambition morphs into making loads of money at the expense of patient care, they might start feeling conflicted, even miserable, despite their financial success. They'd be drifting away from their core values.

To align your ambitions with your values, start with some self-reflection. Get clear on what really matters to you. Is it family, creativity, justice, adventure? Once you've pinpointed those values, examine your goals and ask yourself if they support these values. If they don’t, you might need to recalibrate.

For example, let’s say you’re aiming for a high-powered corporate job because it promises a big paycheck. However, your core values are creativity and freedom. You might find that a high-stakes corporate environment stifles your creativity and limits your autonomy. Instead, you might be happier and more fulfilled working in a startup or as a freelancer where you can flex those creative muscles and set your own schedule.

Here’s a relatable story to bring this idea home: Meet Sarah. Sarah is passionate about the environment. She’s always been the one to pick up litter on hikes and advocate for recycling in her community. Her core values are clearly centered around sustainability and respect for nature. However, she finds herself working in a high-stress marketing job for a big corporation that doesn’t exactly have the greenest track record. Sarah’s ambition to climb the corporate ladder and her core values are in conflict.

One day, Sarah decides she’s had enough. She quits her job and starts a small business selling eco-friendly products. It’s a risk, but she feels a sense of alignment she’s never felt before. Her ambition to succeed in business is now perfectly in sync with her values. She’s happier, more motivated, and feels like she’s making a difference.

So, take a moment and think about your own life. Are your ambitions guiding you towards a destination that resonates with your core values? If not, it might be time to change your course. It’s not about taking the easy path, but the right one for you. The journey will be worth it.