The Value of Self
Curating a Life You Love: The Power of Values in Building Your Career
When was the last time you stopped to reflect on the things that truly matter to you? Not just in passing, but in a way that informs the choices you make every day—how you spend your time, the projects you take on, the people you surround yourself with.
In a world that constantly demands more—more hustle, more connections, more output—it’s easy to get caught in the cycle of doing rather than being. We chase after opportunities, say yes to every request, and keep pushing forward, often without pausing to ask ourselves: Does this align with what I actually want? Does this fulfill me?
But what if, instead of getting swept up in external expectations, we took a step back? What if we approached our careers—and our lives—with the same intention and discernment we use to curate the art we consume, the spaces we live in, or the friendships we cultivate?
I’ve found that values play a crucial role in shaping not just what we do, but how we experience our work and our lives. Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or a creative professional, aligning your work with your core beliefs can be the difference between simply making a living and truly thriving.
What Do You Value?
The first step in curating a life you love is identifying your values. These are the principles that guide your decisions, actions, and relationships. They are your non-negotiables—the things you refuse to compromise on, even when it’s difficult. They form the foundation of the career you build and the legacy you leave behind.
For me, the values that have shaped my path are:
Authenticity – I believe in being real, raw, and true to who I am. This influences not only the kind of art I create but also how I show up in my work and my relationships. It means refusing to conform to expectations that don’t resonate with me and allowing my creative expression to reflect my true self.
Connection – I’m passionate about bringing people together, sharing ideas, and building communities that support and uplift one another. The work I do is deeply rooted in collaboration, and I thrive in environments where people are encouraged to grow alongside each other.
Impact – It’s important to me that my work extends beyond myself. I want to contribute something meaningful, whether it’s inspiring others to chase their dreams, creating spaces for artists to flourish, or using my platform to advocate for causes I care about.
Understanding these core values has given me clarity. It helps me filter opportunities and make decisions that are in alignment with the kind of career—and life—I want to build.
The Power of Boundaries
Once you know what you value, the next step is setting boundaries. Boundaries are what protect your values. They allow you to stand firm in your beliefs, even when external pressures try to sway you in another direction.
What are your deal-breakers? What are the situations or behaviors you refuse to accept, no matter how enticing an opportunity might seem?
For me, this meant:
Turning down opportunities that didn’t align with my integrity. There were projects that looked good on paper but didn’t sit right with me. Some asked me to conform to industry norms I wasn’t comfortable with, and others required me to compromise my values. Saying no wasn’t always easy, but in the long run, it protected my sense of purpose and authenticity.
Respecting my well-being. I don’t drink, for personal and health reasons. In an industry where socializing often revolves around alcohol, I had to set boundaries about what I was willing to participate in. It sometimes meant missing out on networking opportunities, but it also meant staying true to myself.
Prioritizing meaningful work. Not every opportunity is worth saying yes to. I’ve learned to be selective about where I invest my energy, choosing projects that resonate with my values rather than simply taking on work for the sake of busyness.
Each of these choices came with trade-offs. There were moments of doubt—wondering if saying no meant closing doors. But over time, I realized that the right doors, the ones aligned with my purpose, would always open.
Curating Your Life and Career with Intention
Once you’ve identified your values and established boundaries, the next step is action. You have the power to design a career and a life that reflect what truly matters to you. The key is being intentional.
For me, that meant:
Surrounding myself with people who share my vision and values. Energy is contagious, and the people you keep close influence your mindset, creativity, and ambition. I actively seek out collaborators, mentors, and friends who inspire and challenge me in meaningful ways.
Investing in work that aligns with my goals. Instead of chasing every opportunity, I focus on projects that feel fulfilling and purposeful. This shift has allowed me to create work that resonates deeply, rather than simply producing for the sake of output.
Creating experiences that uplift my community. Whether it’s through my work, events I organize, or the way I engage with others, I aim to foster spaces where people feel seen, valued, and encouraged to grow.
And if you’re reading this, wondering how to take that next step, I encourage you to reflect on this:
What would your life and career look like if every decision you made was rooted in your deepest values? How would it feel to wake up each day knowing that your work aligns with what truly fulfills you? How could you empower others through the choices you make?
The answers to these questions are yours to explore. The possibilities are endless. And it all starts with one simple but powerful realization: You have the ability to curate the life you love.
If you’re ready to take action, I offer one-on-one coaching, seminars, and a variety of resources to help you align your career with your values.
Also, don’t miss my upcoming event, Amplify, supporting the LA community affected by the fires. It’s a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by incredible performers and artists. Check out more details and grab your tickets here.
Let’s build something meaningful. Let’s curate a career—and a life—that we truly love.