From Goals to Values: My Journey with the PARISH Compass

Author: Jeff Weegar

From Goals to Values: My Journey with the PARISH Compass

A man holding a trophy while wearing a gold medal.
A pivotal moment in my journey occurred a few years ago when a mentor posed a profound question: “What would a successful life look like?” Initially, I plunged into my professional goals and aspirations, but my mentor redirected me with a powerful follow-up: “I didn’t ask about your professional goals… What does a successful life look like?” It was a moment of self-reflection that started a transformative process.

In the wake of that conversation, I dedicated time each morning to listening, writing, reading, and reflecting. This introspective journey led me to a significant milestone on March 16, 2022 – the day I embraced the concept of “PARISH.”

While traditionally defined as “a community with its own church and a priest or pastor,” for me, PARISH has evolved into something deeper – my compass, my guiding values: Perseverance, Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Selflessness, and Hustle.

These values serve as a constant reminder, influencing my roles as a husband, father, professional, volunteer, and community member. I fall short at times, but the pursuit of these principles has become my commitment.
Embracing PARISH didn’t just enhance my personal life; it transformed me into a better leader. Advisors often stress the importance of authenticity and sincerity in leadership, and I’ve discovered that identifying the guiding principles of your life adds a new dimension of authenticity and leadership capability.

My encouragement to each of you is to compile a list of principles that will steer your life’s course. Revisit them daily and contemplate how they shape your actions and interactions with others. Whether you’re in the process of identifying your principles or already have them in place, dedicating a few minutes each day to reflect on their impact can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.

I’m excited to hear about the principles that guide your personal journey.