Identifying your personal life direction can help you understand what is important
to you in any area of your life. Consider how the following can guide you to finding
your life/career direction (these categories are not listed in order of importance).
Click on a selection to learn more:
When you know what you value, you know what is most important to you. Core values
build the foundation of who you are as a person. Not living according to your values
leads to a values conflict. This often brings feelings of frustration, low motivation,
or interpersonal stress. Following a life/career path that is based in your core values
will lead to greater satisfaction, fulfillment, and purpose in life.
Interests can be like a small cup of water or like deep wells. Interests that are
like a deep well consistently sustain you and energize you. Interests that are like
the small cup of water barely allow you to move forward without needing to search
for another source of water. Finding your “deep well” interests can help you in your
search for an energizing and meaningful life/career direction.
Personality is a word that is used frequently. At a basic level, personality is a
person's way of making meaning of the world, responding to the world, and their natural
way of being in the world. Understanding more about your innate personality can help
you find your life/career direction.
Abilities are those skills that come naturally to you. Some might explain them as
personal "gifts" in life. Recognizing your natural abilities or "gifts" can help you
understand what core work you can accomplish in your life and career.
Focus2Career can help you start to understand more about your values, interests/energy,
personality, and abilities via online assessments and career information. Go to Focus2Career if you are interested in seeing how it can help (access code: uwcareer).
Career counseling is for those who wish to have a more in depth exploration of their
values, interests/energy, personality, abilities, career information, and more. Schedule an appointment speak with a career counselor with any questions.
Contact Us
Advising • Career • Exploratory Studies Center
222 Knight Hall Dept. 3195 1000 E. University Ave.
