Mission & Career
Do work that matters and know your next step.
Mission & Career is about how you feel about your work and where it's heading. Work counts whether it's a job, a business, school, caregiving, or volunteering.
The OLV Assessment looks at two things: how much of your work week feels meaningful, and how clear you are on your next step. Meaningful work uses your strengths or makes a difference you care about. A clear next step is one you could name and start this month.
Why it matters
Only 20% of employees worldwide were engaged at work in 2025, the lowest level since 2020.
In a McKinsey survey of more than 1,000 U.S. employees, 70% said their sense of purpose is largely defined by their work.
Quick self-check
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with your Mission & Career right now?
- How much of your work week feels meaningful to you?
- How clear are you on your next step in your work or career?
If half or less of your week feels meaningful, or your next step is fuzzy, start with the quick wins below.
Ideas to level up
Quick wins (this week)
- Take the free VIA Character Strengths survey and write down your top 3 strengths.
- Name your next career step in one sentence and put the first action on this week's calendar.
- Track your energy for 5 workdays. Mark which tasks fire you up and which ones drain you.
90-day moves
- Ask your manager or client to shift 10% of your week toward work that uses your strengths.
- Book 3 coffee chats with people who are doing the work you want to do next.
- Finish one course or certification that moves you toward your next role.
- Write your personal mission statement: My mission is to [what you do] for [who] so they [the difference it makes].
Big-vision goals
- Map your 3-year career vision: the role, income, impact, and lifestyle you want.
- Launch the business, side project, or ministry you keep thinking about, starting with one pilot or one paying client.
- Mentor two people a year into their next role.
Sample SMART goals
- Finish my coaching certification by September 30.
- Hold 6 informational interviews with people in my target field by February 28.
- Move 4 hours a week of my calendar to strength-based projects by January 15, then review the results with my manager.
Resources
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
John C. Maxwell
A clear road map for growing yourself so you can grow your career.
BookDesigning Your Life
Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
Stanford's design-thinking method for building a career you're excited about.
BookBold
Peter Diamandis & Steven Kotler
How to think big and use new technology to go after goals with real impact.
BookOne Word That Will Change Your Life
Jon Gordon, Dan Britton & Jimmy Page
Pairs with the One Word on your OLV poster to keep your year focused.
PodcastCraig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
Craig Groeschel
Short, practical episodes on leading yourself and others well.
PodcastMaxwell Leadership Podcast
John C. Maxwell
Weekly leadership lessons you can apply at work the same day.
AssessmentCliftonStrengths
Gallup
A paid assessment that names your top talents and how to use them at work.
Assessment (free)VIA Character Strengths Survey
VIA Institute on Character
A free 15-minute survey that ranks your 24 character strengths.
Free toolCareerOneStop
U.S. Department of Labor
Free career exploration, salary data, and training finders.
Your next move
Take the free OLV Snapshot. Answer 14 quick questions in about 3 minutes and see your whole wheel, including your Mission & Career score.
Want a coach in your corner? Book an OLV Vibe Session: a 60-minute 1:1 Google Meet session with Stacey Berger, plus OLV Digital, a printed 24x36 poster, and a 30-day check-in. $297, or $197 at the founding price.
Founding prices apply to the first 100 buyers or through Jan 31, 2027.