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Writer's pictureDawn Lim

"start with your core values"





As important as it is to know what to do, you must also understand what to stop doing. Last week, I asked you to observe all the ways you managed or handled tasks that someone else could do or learn to do.


It was hard, right?


Of the many tasks that demand your attention, the ones that are easiest to stop would be those that do not align with your core values. When I shared the idea of how making hard choices results in an easy life, I mentioned “professed values.”


When you want to make a big decision, do you first reflect on what is the option that best aligns with your core values? Or do you tend to follow external expectations for what is considered good, important, or valuable?


Or maybe the better question is this: are you clear on your 1-2 core values?


Core values are your “simplicity filter.” They help you navigate tough decisions in your life. When you make decisions that go against your core values, you might not be able to give language to it, but over time you will feel that your life isn’t quite being lived freely. You may feel unhappy, resentful, and struggle to find purpose in how you fill your days.


I remember being invited to apply for a leadership position shortly after coming back from maternity leave. I was flattered to be asked, but ambivalent about the role itself. The position would have been great for my CV, but my career choices have never been typical nor linear (even for variety-loving emergency doctors). I knew that the hiring committee would ask me “Dawn, how do all of your career decisions fit together?” As I reflected on this possible interview question, I realized clearly that my core value was learning.


I need to learn to feel alive. To learn is to fuel myself with the highest energy.

It was like looking into a mirror and finally realizing that what I saw was not flawed. Nor was it just okay.


It was awesome.


I went into that interview with the attitude that I would be proudly and authentically me. It was the first time I felt free in medicine to follow my own path. Yes, the committee asked me "how do all of your career decisions fit together?" and I told them about learning as my throughline.


I didn't get the position. And I celebrated because I knew that IT didn't fit with ME!

I haven’t looked back to the old me who was anxious to people please. Every day, every week, I clear a special space on my calendar to learn.

When you know your core, every choice becomes simpler to make.


You will find it easier to look at your to-do list and decide what to stop doing.


You may still feel your days are full, but they won’t drain you if you’re honouring your core values.


Question: What are your 1-2 core values? Share them in the comments below!

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