Fulfillment in our lives and careers stems from doing things that are aligned with our fundamental values — the things that are most important to us. Here are some questions that may spark new ideas for your next career steps:

• Look forward 20 or so years: You are attending your retirement party where someone is giving a speech about YOU! What would you want them to say?
• What really energizes you? Describe the type of work that you can’t wait to start. What is it about the work that is so exciting?
• What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
• What are your top 5 values? On a scale of 1-10, how well do you live these values now? What can you do to move toward a 10?

If you find yourself struggling to define what you want in your next career steps, work with an accountability partner or coach to help you to identify your top values, gain focus and stay motivated.  A great self-study resource to help you on your way is Dick Richard’s Is Your Genius at Work.   Read more about the book here.