When we talk about career growth for women, we often think of moving up the corporate ladder or collecting shiny new job titles. But what if your vision goes beyond a bigger paycheck and a fancy office? Maybe you’d like a role that genuinely reflects your values, leaves you excited to start your day, offers flexibility for your personal life, and pays a salary that finally allows you to put all of your bills on autopay. I’m fairly certain you already know a successful career isn’t just about working harder. It’s also about designing a path that aligns with who YOU are and where YOU want to go in life.

Let’s chat for a moment about 6 steps to identify what truly matters to you so you can move forward in your journey with much-needed clarity and confidence.

Why Alignment Matters

We spend a significant portion of our lives at work. If you’re waking up every morning dreading the day ahead, something’s got to give. Building a successful career that aligns with your vision means you’re not just grinding through the week for a paycheck; you’re investing time and energy in a role that complements your life. It’s about clarity, purpose, and feeling empowered, rather than just going through the motions.

Alignment also helps you avoid burnout. When your career is at odds with your core values or personal goals, stress piles up fast and we know stress leads to all sorts of health issues. On the flip side, when your day-to-day tasks resonate with who you truly are, that sense of fulfillment fuels better performance and healthier mental space.

Ready for the 6 steps? You might want to grab your journal now. While you’re at it, grab a cup of coffee or tea (or water) because you’ll want to jot down some ideas.

Step 1: Identify Your Core Values

Before you can align your career with your vision, you need to get crystal clear on what truly matters to you. This might sound simple, but many of us never take the time to articulate our values.

• Reflect on Past Experiences: Think about times when you felt truly satisfied at work. What made those moments fulfilling? Was it the people you collaborated with, the nature of the projects, or the freedom to set your own schedule?
• List Out Your Non-Negotiables: Open that journal and jot down the must-haves in your career which can include things like flexibility, remote work, or a certain salary range. Studies show that writing this stuff down engages your brain on a deeper level.
• Ask Yourself Why: Why is each value important to you? Is it because it allows you to spend time with family, pursue personal interests, or maintain a balanced lifestyle?

When you know your values, you can filter career opportunities through that lens, giving you a clear sense of whether a position is a good fit.

Step 2: Set Your Long-Term Goals

Values keep you grounded, but goals give you direction. Whether you’re seeking a higher-paying role or want the freedom to work remotely, it’s important to be specific about what you want.

• Career Vision Statement: Write a short paragraph describing the career you’d love to have five or ten years from now. Imagine how each day would feel, the projects you’d tackle, and the lifestyle you’d maintain. Give yourself permission to dream freely with this step.
• Targeted Goals: Break your vision down into goals you can measure. For instance, if you want to move into a new field within a year, outline the steps needed—like earning a certification or updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect transferable skills.

Staying focused on your goals can help you recognize when a certain job or company aligns with your vision—or when it’s time to make a change.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Current Path

Now that you’re clear on what matters to you and where you’re headed, it’s time to assess whether your current role supports your goals. You may realize you’re actually closer to alignment than you thought or you may find you need to do a complete 180.

1. Check Your Role Against Your Values: How does your current job measure up to your non-negotiables? If you value flexibility and you’re tied to a rigid schedule, that’s clearly a conflict.
2. Look at Your Growth Potential: Does your current position provide opportunities for skill development or increased responsibility? If not, you may need to explore something new as soon as possible.
3. Assess the Company Culture: Sometimes the job itself is fine, but the environment feels stifling. Are you working long hours with little support? Is there a path to remote work if that’s a priority for you?

Writing these thoughts down can help you see patterns more clearly. Again, journaling forces you to confront what’s going well—and what isn’t.

Step 4: Make a Plan for Realignment

If you realize you’re out of step with your vision, it’s time to create a plan. This could involve adjusting your mindset, seeking a new position in your current field, or jumping into something entirely different. Maybe you discover you’d do well in a role that allows remote flexibility, and your present job is simply not set up that way.

• Skill Gap Analysis: This is one step my clients often overlook. Take a moment to identify any skills you need for a new role (based on a few job descriptions) or a potential promotion. Sign up for courses, workshops, or certifications that can help you bridge the gap.
• Network Intentionally: Reach out to professionals in your ideal field. LinkedIn groups, professional associations, or a simple coffee chat can open doors you didn’t know existed.
• Consider Professional Guidance: Here’s where seeking guidance from an expert can make a world of difference. One session with a career coach might be all you need to kick-start your plan, or you may need ongoing support to stay on track. Did I mention I’m a career coach? 🙂If you read that last sentence and immediately thought you’d like to learn more about how you can work with me, click here to put some time on our calendars.

Step 5: Write It ALL Down

I know I’ve mentioned this a few times, but I can’t stress it enough that writing your thoughts, plans, and reflections in a journal is a powerful habit. Studies show that putting pen to paper helps your brain process information more effectively, improving retention and understanding. This simple act can clarify your thoughts, reduce stress, and serve as a reference for your ongoing career growth.

On those days when you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, you can go back to your notes. You’ll see how far you’ve come and be reminded of why you started in the first place.

Step 6: Seek Expert Support

You might be wondering if you really need a career coach to figure this out. The truth is, you might only need a single coaching session to gain clarity and direction. OR you might find that long-term guidance is what truly helps you maintain momentum and accountability.

• One Session to Jump-Start: A single session can help you define your top priorities, outline a plan, and identify any blind spots you might have missed.
• Ongoing Support for Bigger Goals: If you’re making a significant career pivot, aiming for a higher-paying role, or juggling a complicated transition, consistent check-ins with a coach can keep you on the path you’ve set for yourself.

Think of professional support as an investment in your future and when you choose the right coach for you, a return on that investment is inevitable. It’s not about being “rescued” from your current situation; it’s about empowering yourself to move forward with clarity and confidence.

I’ll leave you with this…

This is your life and your career and I want you to make sure both are working together. Once you align your work with your true values, goals, and lifestyle needs, you’ll be amazed at how much more fulfilled and motivated you’ll feel. It might take a little effort and courage, but it’s worth every ounce of energy you invest. 

Ready to chat through all the thoughts now spiraling in your head (and on paper, of course)? I invite you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation. We’ll assess where you are, talk through your vision, and figure out how to map out a career that genuinely fits your life. Your career can and should be aligned with your long-term vision, and I’m here to help you make it happen.

Simply click here to book your session, and let’s get you moving in the right direction.