What's Love Got To Do With the New Work World?
With Valentine’s Day upon us, I’ve been reflecting on the many ways we apply the word “love” in our lives. As a gal who loves music from the Detroit area and remembers Motown, I smile when I think of Tina Turner’s famous 1984 song, “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” In the traditional way the day was probably intended, we begin thinking about who we love in a romantic sense. Right after the Christmas holiday, we start seeing shelves stocked with heart-shaped candies and cakes, tents set up near grocery stores selling flowers, and countless advertisements about the perfect gift for the significant person or people in our lives. But how does the word “love” apply to the relationship we have with ourselves, in an unselfish way, so that we have the confidence to find the right job?
I’m sure many will agree that during the last several years, with so much change and loss, we have all faced significant challenges. However, I believe that being in alignment with who we truly are and learning to love ourselves has many advantages that apply to the New Work World. From that important place, beauty and fulfillment can begin to flow into our lives. In our careers, being aligned with our gifts and talents and contributing them to the world is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others. When we value ourselves and truly own our talents, we are able to become the best version of ourselves.
It all sounds great, doesn’t it? But where is the starting point? How do we get in touch with our core self, take stock of who we are, and truly nurture and love that person?
When I ask myself these questions, I’m always brought back to the first step of the Faremouth Method, “Do a Self-Inventory.” This step is the most crucial, because knowing yourself is what allows you to achieve great things. What do you do if you feel lost and unsure of what your core even is anymore? Have you ever truly known? Who are you, really? Have you changed? What do you value, and what do you truly want from your career and your life? If you don’t know who you are, how can you clearly identify and achieve what you desire?
This Valentine’s Day might be the perfect time to hold on to the belief that we deserve to treat ourselves with love and respect, especially as life feels more demanding right now. With so many changes, uncertainties, and competing priorities, there can be a wide range of emotions about what the future may hold. Some may feel there are parts of themselves they thought they had lost, while others may feel invigorated by the sense of new beginnings ahead.
Self-love is essential to success in life. During challenging times, self-doubt can easily get in the way of happiness. So what does self-love really mean? It is love of self in its purest form, an honest examination of what we need in order to be our best selves. We need a sense of space, purpose, and recognition of our own value. When we ignore our mental, spiritual, and physical needs, we do ourselves a major disservice. It is important to feel that we are the best version of who we can be on all levels. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate you and your exciting future.
Consider putting your energy into the relationship you have with yourself. Allow yourself to bask in the beautiful brilliance that is you, and treat yourself to the greatness you long for and deserve. Try one or more of these ideas and see which resonate with you.
1. Create a positive mantra. We all have an internal recording that we may not even be aware of. Become mindful of your inner voice and guide it toward positive messages when negativity starts to speak loudly. You might try saying, “I am a person of high worth,” “Self-love is my trademark,” or “2026 will be my best year yet.”
2. Surround yourself with beauty. Our outer environment can influence our inner state. Create a space that makes you feel good. Fresh flowers and an organized environment can raise the vibration of self-love and create peace and relaxation.
3. Investigate opportunities for self-growth. Look into online classes or seminars that can help you better align with who you are or who you want to become. Many options are available in the evenings or on weekends. Explore what interests you and allows you to expand your skills. I have found that prospective employers truly value individuals who pursue continuous learning.
4. Write yourself a love note or begin journaling. Take time to write down the qualities you appreciate about yourself. Release negativity for this exercise and commit to not focusing on perceived flaws. Think of this as a reprogramming practice that enhances self-love and instills hope for growth and expansion. Writing and journaling have been shown to offer many benefits, especially during challenging times.
5. Practice small, achievable daily goals. For example, you might add 15 minutes to your daily walk or begin a short meditation practice when you wake up. Make time for something that brings you joy, such as reading a book, watching a movie, or spending less time on social media. These goals do not need to be large. Small steps help you build positive habits that strengthen who you are and allow you to contribute more meaningfully to the work world. Self-love often means giving yourself what you usually give to others. When you include yourself in that equation, you have more quality energy to give to both yourself and others.
There are additional steps in the Faremouth Method, all designed to help you align with the New Work World. Be a hunter. Do not sit back and accept things as they have always been. Actively explore how you can become part of the future. This is not a time to wait for opportunities to come to you, it is a time to seek them out and seize the moment. Step outside your comfort zone. Avoid defaulting to old routines simply because they feel easy. Growth requires shaking things up and challenging yourself. If you have always been a team player but rarely a leader, consider reversing that role. Ask yourself what has held you back. Often, it is self-doubt rather than lack of ability. You may know far more than you give yourself credit for.
This Valentine’s Day, never underestimate the power of nurturing the relationship you have with yourself. Self-love breeds confidence, success, and joy. It brings with it the ability to infuse light and positivity into every corner of your life and helps create healthy, meaningful relationships with others. Set aside time to honor, love, and care for the amazing gift to the world that is you. Awaken that spirit by making yourself a priority. Others may have seen it all along. Over my 30 years in this profession, I’ve consistently found that individuals who land in roles aligned with their true interests not only stay longer, but are also happier and more fulfilled overall. When you lead with self-awareness and self-love, you position yourself to make choices that support both your well-being and long-term success.
The song “What’s Love Got to Do with It” truly has far-reaching meaning beyond the traditional view of love. Use your personal growth and self-love to become your best self, so you can make a valuable contribution to your work and to the world at large.
