What is the thing you love to do but haven’t done in forever?

Either because of the pandemic, or because you got too “old,” or because you got too busy?

Conventional wisdom tells me I shouldn’t share this in a professional article... but here goes!

For me, it’s going out. And I don’t mean out to dinner or a museum (though I love those things too). I mean out out. Like dancing in a dark club until 2AM out.

In fact, true story: going clubbing in Berlin's famous warehouses was on my baby bucket list. It was a "must-do" I negotiated with my husband before having kids (and a vacation I negotiated with the employer who hired me three weeks before this planned trip). We made it to Berlin nearly six years ago… and it was amazing.

That's because the things we love are about the things we value.

To that end, I want to be clear crystal clear—especially since this is a professional article after all: this isn't about going on some sort of late-night bender (think less "rager" and more Kylie Minogue in Magic). This is about one way I connect to my values of fun, adventure, and freedom.

As we enter The Return, there is now so much we can do and it turns out that relaunching our goals is actually a lot to process.

That's why as you think about what you want to do next, consider what you value most. Start by considering the things you love or your best memories by using these three steps.

Look back, to something that was a blast: Was it that trip to Italy? That now-defunct book club with your friends or softball league? Volunteering at the animal shelter that has been closed for a year? Eating your way through every new restaurant in town?
Look inside, to the "anatomy" of what made it fabulous: Was that trip to Italy about "Italy" or about adventure, curiosity, relaxation, or perhaps a love of knowledge, travel, new experiences, wine, art, or culture? These things are the values inside of the things you love and the anatomy of what makes your favorite things your favorite things (Pro Tip: check out this awesome values list from Brené Brown).
Look forward, to design your goals: Maybe Italy is off the table this summer (if it's not, enjoy every second and send pics!). That doesn't mean those values are off the table. In fact, they're the best place to design your goals from, trip or not. So, get curious with yourself about ways you can build goals around your values, and then make real plans: what actions or priorities are you going to say "yes" to and "no" to in order to actually live these values at work and at home?

Let's be honest: Warehouse parties in Berlin and Tokyo's famous Robot Party (as pictured above) are not happening in this season of life for me, pandemic or not.

But in a lot of ways, I will be firmly in Berlin as I enter The Return. I'm dedicating my summer to three of my core values—fun, adventure, and freedom—and using them as a one-way ticket to my goals and a passport to my happiness in this next chapter.

So, what three values will guide your goals in The Return? Grab them as your "happiness passport," meet me in Berlin, and report back: I love receiving your emails and can't wait to hear from you.

Want more inspiration from other women who are looking to realign their goals and recharge after a year that has sapped us all?

Join us on Friday, September 10th for our women’s leadership retreat, Realign & Recharge, at The Four Seasons Georgetown.

Meet Me In Berlin? Grabbing Your "Happiness Passport" for The Return

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