DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

In a world of endless demands, shifting priorities, and rapid change, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But beneath the noise, each of us carries a compass: a deeper sense of purpose and a set of core values that, when clearly understood and actively lived, can guide us toward more meaningful, impactful, and fulfilling lives.

Purpose and values alignment is not just a lofty ideal—it’s a practical foundation for clarity, resilience, and authentic leadership. It’s what enables us to say yes to the right opportunities, no to the wrong ones, and stay grounded in the face of uncertainty.

In this article, we explore what it means to discover your purpose, define your values, and live and lead in alignment with both.

Why purpose and values matter

Purpose is your “why.” It’s the deeper reason behind your choices, your work, your dreams. It transcends job titles and outcomes. It gives meaning to the mundane and direction to the complex.

Values are your “how.” They’re the principles and priorities that guide your behavior, decisions, and relationships. They’re not what you say you care about—they’re what you live by, consciously or not.

When your actions align with your purpose and values, you experience:

• Greater clarity and focus
• Stronger motivation and energy
• Deeper fulfillment and resilience
• More authentic relationships
• Increased integrity and trust as a leader

But when you’re out of alignment—when you’re working in a role that clashes with your values, or chasing goals disconnected from purpose—you may feel drained, distracted, or stuck.

Step 1: Exploring your purpose — Finding your Why

Your purpose doesn’t have to be grand or global. It simply needs to be true. It often lies at the intersection of what energizes you, what you’re naturally drawn to, and what impact you want to have on others.

Ask yourself:

• When have I felt most alive, engaged, or proud?
• What kind of problems do I care most about solving?
• Who do I want to serve or support—and why?
• What would I still care about doing, even if I didn’t get paid?

A powerful tool for purpose discovery is the Japanese concept of Ikigai—the convergence of:

• What you love
• What you’re good at
• What the world needs
• What you can be paid for

Purpose evolves over time. It’s not a fixed destination—it’s a guiding direction. You don’t need perfect clarity to move forward. Just enough to take the next step.

Step 2: Defining your core values

Values are not aspirations—they’re demonstrated priorities.

To identify yours, reflect on:

• Peak moments: When did you feel most proud, fulfilled, or inspired? What values were being honored?
• Painful moments: When did you feel frustrated or disrespected? What values were being violated?
• Role models: Who do you admire, and what do they stand for?

Create a short list (3–5) of values that feel essential to who you are. Examples include:

• Integrity
• Growth
• Compassion
• Excellence
• Courage
• Freedom
• Service
• Connection

Then define them in your own words. For example:

• Growth: I value continuous learning and challenge as a path to becoming my best self.
• Connection: I value deep, authentic relationships and meaningful collaboration.

Step 3: Aligning daily actions with purpose and values

Once you know your purpose and values, the real work begins—living them.

Ask:

• How well do my current routines, relationships, and work align with my core values?
• What’s one small shift I can make today to act more in line with what matters most?
• Where am I saying yes to things that pull me away from my deeper “why”?

Examples of alignment in action:

• If you value creativity: Block weekly time for unstructured exploration.
• If you value family: Set clear boundaries around work hours.
• If your purpose is to empower others: Mentor a colleague or volunteer your skills.

Alignment is not about being perfect—it’s about noticing the gap and closing it, one decision at a time.

Step 4: Leading with purpose and values

As a leader, you shape culture not just through strategy—but through how you show up.

When leaders operate with purpose and values alignment:

• Teams are more engaged and inspired.
• Decisions are made with integrity and clarity.
• Culture becomes more cohesive and resilient.

To lead from purpose:

• Share your “why” with others—invite them to do the same.
• Use values as a lens for hiring, feedback, and recognition.
• Model what alignment looks like, especially under pressure.

People don’t follow titles. They follow clarity, authenticity, and consistency.

Step 5: Revisit and re-align regularly

Your life will evolve. So will your understanding of what matters.

Build regular reflection into your routine:

• Monthly: What choices did I make this month that honored my values?
• Quarterly: Where am I out of alignment—and what’s one change I can make?
• Annually: Has my sense of purpose shifted? What wants to emerge now?

This creates a rhythm of renewal—so you can adapt without losing your center.

— — —

Purpose and values are not just inner ideas—they’re powerful forces for action.

When you align what you do with who you are:

• You lead with clarity, not confusion.
• You choose with confidence, not comparison.
• You build a life that feels meaningful—not just successful.

So take time to pause. Reflect. Reconnect with what matters.

Because when you know your why and live your how—everything changes. You move through life with direction, integrity, and joy.

And that’s the real power of alignment.