The Power of Vision: Finding Alignment

Sometimes, the path forward feels obvious: a promising job, a dynamic team, ambitious goals. But beneath the surface lies an often-overlooked element that has the power to shape our experience — the alignment of our personal vision with the place we work. When this alignment is strong, it fuels both motivation and well-being. When it’s absent, that discord can gradually chip away at mental and physical health.

This insight crystallized after an experience that began with powerful advice shared by a speaker at a META conference in Singapore back in 2017.

“When your vision and the company’s don’t align,” he said, “the dissonance eventually impacts well-being, even physically.” It was compelling, but at the time, it remained an idea rather than a felt truth.

The reality of this message only became clear later. Taking a creative role at a top agency in Singapore felt like a perfect next step, a chance to work with remarkable talent on ambitious projects. The agency’s guiding vision, shared on day one, centered on winning awards and aspiring to Cannes Lions — a pursuit that energized many in the room. But having already walked that road, my aspirations had shifted. Awards, while valuable, were no longer the core of my personal vision. My focus had evolved toward creating meaningful, sustainable impact.

At first, the discord seemed manageable. The chance to learn from such a creative environment felt like a worthwhile reason to stay. But alignment — or the lack of it — is rarely a quiet force. Over time, the small points of difference began to accumulate. Fatigue set in, stress crept forward, and eventually, those internal tensions made themselves known physically. A year later, after enduring consistent exhaustion, a hospital stay became necessary. The time spent there was unexpectedly clarifying. It was a moment to reflect on the true cost of misalignment.

The realization was powerful: alignment isn’t just about matching job descriptions or organizational goals; it’s about finding spaces that support the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — without requiring us to override our own internal compass.

From this experience, one truth stood out: honoring what energizes and fuels us isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. No matter how attractive a position or company may appear, if its vision doesn’t resonate at a fundamental level, the misalignment creates a kind of static, a noise that disrupts our internal harmony. Sometimes that static is subtle, an underlying discomfort. Other times, it builds into something undeniable.

It’s important to note that this isn’t a matter of right or wrong. Each organization, like each person, is on a journey of purpose. And there’s tremendous respect for those driven by the pursuit of excellence, accolades, and success. But sometimes, even the best workplaces aren’t the right fit for every person, especially when our deepest motivations diverge. True fulfillment, then, comes not from external accomplishments alone, but from an internal harmony, when personal and organizational visions move in concert.

For those at a similar crossroads, this is a gentle reminder to reflect on what truly sustains and motivates. Alignment isn’t just about career success; it’s about living with vitality and peace. Walking away or choosing a new path isn’t failure — it’s a powerful act of honoring one’s own values and well-being.

Because, in the end, the most meaningful journey is the one that allows us to grow, connect, and contribute in ways that feel authentic to who we are. Be good to yourself and each other out there.

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Phil