In this personal episode, Claire shares how her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis became a wake-up call about the urgency of living authentically. She explores why your values, not productivity systems, are the key to fulfillment and effective leadership.

The Personal Wake-Up Call

Claire opens with a touching note her father wrote: "Claire, I want to go to the grocery store with you." A year later, he no longer writes or speaks much due to Alzheimer's. This experience forced Claire to confront the reality that "someday" plans might never happen, shifting her entire approach to how she spends her time and energy.

The Science Behind Values

Research shows that people pursuing self-concordant goals (aligned with personal values) make more progress and report higher life satisfaction. Values clarification exercises lower cortisol levels, improve problem-solving under pressure, and reduce defensive responses when challenged.

Claire's Core Values:

• Autonomy and freedom
• Well-being and health
• Connection and curiosity
• Invention and creation
• Maximizing potential (avoiding waste)

Three Areas to Audit Your Values:

• Time: Does your calendar reflect what you say matters most?
• Stress: How do you behave under pressure?
• Measurement: Do you celebrate actions that align with your stated values?

The most effective leaders aren't those with the best strategies, but those crystal clear about what they stand for. When you live your values authentically, you create psychological safety for others to do the same.

Resources Mentioned:

"Living Your Values" course- clairelaughlin.com/livingyourvalues (Don't miss the special discount code in this episode!)

To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

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