“What Dr. SwitchKill Taught Me”
One thing that Dr. John La Tourrette taught me was to operate within my values.
The last conversation we had was about how when a person fails to operate within their values, they often experience a sense of dissonance and dissatisfaction.
I had spent five years working on other people’s start ups, projects and well, in-between working on my PhD. I went from making loads of fucking money with my creative work in my 20s and 30s to making other people happy and losing every penny I had along the way. And well, it wasn’t fucking working anymore.
I was about to go postal, so I left the Bay Area in August, and never looked back. I cut off every start up, and said fuck you to everyone else’s projects including a Netflix series I was supposed to get co-producer credit for.
Now I’m back to making my own creative content, writing movies, directing and filming them.
Now why is this important? And why is it important to take the work of Dr. La Tourrette’s life work serious? Go back and study it. Everything you have. Everything you can get your hands on.
See misalignments manifest in feelings of guilt, regret, or unease, as actions do not align with their core beliefs. This internal conflict may lead to a decline in self-esteem, as individuals struggle to reconcile their actions with their personal identity.
Over time, consistently ignoring one’s values can result in a disconnection from one’s authentic self, increased stress, and a pervasive sense of unhappiness.
In relationships and professional settings, this misalignment may lead to strained connections and a lack of fulfillment, as individuals grapple with the consequences of living a life that does not truly reflect who they are.
In a fast-paced world full of external pressures and endless distractions, it can be easy to lose sight of our own beliefs and values. However, aligning our actions with our core values is essential for personal growth, happiness, and overall well-being.
Before we can begin to live in accordance with our values, we must first identify what they are. Core values are the guiding principles that shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. They reflect our personal beliefs, priorities, and ethics, and serve as a compass for navigating life’s challenges.
To discover your own core values, consider the following steps:
1. Reflect on your past experiences: Think about the moments in your life when you felt most proud, fulfilled, or at peace. What underlying values were present during these times?
2. Examine your relationships: Consider the people you admire and gravitate towards. What values do they embody, and how do these align with your own?
3. Create a list: Write down the values that resonate with you the most. This list may include concepts like honesty, compassion, creativity, or perseverance.
4. Narrow it down: From your list, select the top 5–10 values that hold the most meaning for you. These will serve as your personal core values, guiding your actions and decisions.
Once you’ve identified your core values, it’s time to integrate them into your daily life. Here are some ways to begin embracing your values:
1. Set clear intentions: Start each day by reminding yourself of your core values and setting intentions to act in alignment with them.
2. Make mindful decisions: When faced with decisions, big or small, consider how each option aligns with your values. Choose the path that best reflects your guiding principles.
3. Create value-based goals: Set personal and professional goals that are rooted in your core values. This will help you stay motivated and focused on what truly matters to you.
4. Seek out like-minded individuals: Surround yourself with people who share your values, as they can provide support and encouragement on your journey.
Dr. Kali DuBois
