Self realization is the first step in choosing a general direction for your life, one that will bring you happiness and peache of mind – in tune with what you really want, deep down. When you figure that out, you have taken the biggest step toward getting it. In the following exercise, you will end up with a top value for each area of your life, and a clearer understanding of who you are and what is most important to you.

You may suffer inner turmoil when your goals or actions go against your values.  If you want to be a great parent but take a job that requires a lot of travel, value integrity but lie and cheat, value marriage but are too busy flirting with others or working, value creativity but never make time to create, you will feel anxiety and unease, conflict and discomfort, anger and resentment.

Cross out each value you can live without:

Children, Career, Freedom, Recognition, Financial security, Friendships, Adventure, Challenge, Creativity, Integrity, Joy, Power, Inner peace,  Order, Education, Family, True love, Fun, Hobbies, Free time, Happiness, Loyalty, Integrity, Spirituality, Trust, Significance, Excellence, Helping others, Kindness, Independence, Profit, Passion, Position, Wealth, Health, Fitness, Respect, Fame, Blance, Travel, Job security, Home, Awards, Tranquility, Other:

Go through the list again and cross out as many as you can. Now get tough, get down to your top ten values. Come back to this list in two days and narrow it down to your top five. Write them down. Now check your list of values against the career you think you want, and make sure there is no conflict between the two. If there is, rethink the kind of work you should be doing.