Redefining Progress at Work
Progress at work is most commonly measured by external markers: bigger titles, bigger teams, and bigger paychecks. But progress is not only about climbing higher. True progress is about becoming more aligned with what matters most to you while you advance in your career.
If success pulls you further from yourself, it is not really success.
Shifting the Definition
Progress does not have to mean following someone else’s definition of achievement. It can mean:
- Taking on projects that energize you, not just the ones that look impressive on paper
- Choosing roles that reflect your values, even if they are not the “expected” next step
- Building a work life that feels sustainable, not one that burns you out
When you redefine progress around alignment instead of status, it starts to feel more meaningful.
Using Values as Your Guide
Your Values Identifier report can help you uncover what progress means for you right now. Start by identifying the top values driving your decisions. Then ask yourself:
- Does this opportunity support the life I want to build?
- Will this choice align with the values that matter most?
- Will I be proud of this direction one year from now?
Progress grounded in your values does not just change what you achieve. It changes how you feel while achieving it.
Choosing a Path That Fits
When you make decisions anchored in your values, career moves stop feeling like compromises. You stop chasing every opportunity that comes your way and start shaping the ones that are right for you. The work you do begins to reflect who you are, not just what you can produce.
Something to Reflect On
What would change if your career progress was measured by alignment instead of approval? And how would that shape the choices you make next?
