How's Your Alignment?

Understanding Alignment in Life and Work

Alignment, in the context of personal development and career growth, refers to the congruence between an individual's actions, goals, and their intrinsic values and desires. When your life is fully aligned, every effort flows more smoothly, and less energy is expended on achieving your desired outcomes. This concept is akin to the physical alignment experienced in chiropractic adjustments, where the proper alignment of the spine can significantly improve movement and reduce discomfort.

The Physical Metaphor: Chiropractic Benefits

Chiropractic care, often sought for spinal adjustments, serves as a perfect metaphor for alignment. Patients typically report easier movement and increased comfort post-adjustment, highlighting the benefits of proper alignment. This physical improvement mirrors the mental and emotional ease that comes when one's life aligns with their true desires.

Case Study: A Professional's Journey to Alignment

Consider the story of a client who is an entrepreneur, coach, and author. She experienced professional "blahs" and couldn't pinpoint the cause until she recognized her deep desire to focus more on writing her book while maintaining sufficient coaching income. Here’s how she aligned her professional activities with her personal goals:

1. Self-Assessment: She acknowledged her feelings of boredom and dug deeper to understand the underlying causes.
2. Identifying Desires: She clarified her desire to prioritize her book and the need for her coaching practice to support this focus.
3. Strategic Rescheduling: She adjusted her client coaching days to dedicate more time to writing.
4. Seizing Opportunities: When invited to contribute to an e-newsletter with a large readership, she leveraged this to increase her visibility and attract new clients.

Outcomes of Realignment

Post realignment, she witnessed:

• A significant increase in website traffic.
• New coaching clients and several prospects.
• Enhanced personal satisfaction and reduced professional exertion.

This case study underscores the importance of listening to one’s inner desires and realigning one’s professional endeavors to support these goals.

Steps to Achieve Alignment

Achieving alignment involves several key steps:

• Introspection: Regularly assess whether your current path truly aligns with your inner values and long-term goals.
• Action: Make necessary changes in your professional life to better align with your personal aspirations.
• Openness to Opportunities: Be receptive to unexpected opportunities and use intuition to decide whether they align with your goals.

The Impact of Alignment on Productivity

Research indicates that alignment between an individual's job role and their personal skills and interests leads to higher job satisfaction and productivity. A study by Gallup found that employees who feel their job aligns with their personal goals are 59% less likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, suggesting higher retention rates for aligned employees (Gallup).

Conclusion

Aligning what you do with who you are doesn't just enhance personal satisfaction; it also boosts professional efficiency and success. By understanding and implementing alignment in your life, you can reduce effort, increase fulfillment, and open up new opportunities for growth and success.

For further insights into achieving personal and professional alignment, consider exploring additional resources such as MindTools or Harvard Business Review.

Remember, the journey to alignment is continuous and requires constant reassessment to ensure that your professional life not only meets your financial needs but also fulfills your personal aspirations.