#273 Robert MacPhee: Robert MacPhee: Clarity, Chicken Soup, and a Midlife U-Turn — Part One

Robert MacPhee didn’t start out teaching values—he started out parking cars. But somewhere between the valet stand and becoming Jack Canfield’s right-hand man (yes, that Chicken Soup guy), Robert found his lane. Now the author of Living a Values-Based Life, he’s guiding people to stop driving in circles and finally align their actions with what truly matters.

In our 2-part series, we dig into the real reason so many of us struggle to name our core values (spoiler: it’s not because we’re lazy—it’s because no one ever taught us how). Robert also breaks down why clarity is the unsung hero of decision-making, and why living out of sync with your values is like following GPS directions with the volume on mute.

Part One. 

Key Highlights of Our Interviews:

A Masterclass with Jack Canfield

“I was fortunate to work closely with Jack Canfield, the co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Over nearly a decade, I learned invaluable lessons about personal development and training, which inspired me to branch out and develop my own concept—Excellent Decisions.”

Living a Values-Based Life

“My current focus, and the heart of my book, Living a Values-Based Life, is helping people clarify their most important values. Once they’re clear on those, they can create a life—and in many cases, a business—that truly aligns with what matters most to them.”

What Are Values, Really?

“At its core, values are what’s most important to us. They define how we want to show up in the world and guide the ways we choose to be. When we are clear about our values, they become a compass, fundamentally shifting how we navigate life and work."

Why Are Values So Hard to Define?

“Most people struggle to articulate their values simply because no one teaches them how. Schools don’t prioritize it, and while parents might model certain values, they often don’t have the tools to guide their children through truly understanding and clarifying their highest values. It’s not intuitive, and it’s certainly not a one-hour workshop—it’s a journey.”

Values Are More Than Ideals; They’re Tools

“Without clearly defined values, navigating life is like walking blindfolded. You may move forward, but without a compass, you risk heading in the wrong direction. Society constantly pushes external markers like money, cars, or houses as measures of success. But aligning goals with deeply personal values, like strengthening family relationships or contributing to a cause, brings fulfillment and focus.”

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Robert MacPhee
 

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