From Parking Cars to Parking Purpose: Robert MacPhee on Living a Values-Driven Life — Part One

Part One.

In this 2-part series, we sat down with Robert MacPhee. From parking cars to co-piloting lives, Robert has gone full throttle with his best-selling book Living a Values-Based Life

A former right-hand man to Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Jack Canfield, Robert now helps people figure out their life’s GPS—or rather, their VBS (Values-Based System).

Why are we so bad at knowing what we actually value? How can aligning your actions with your core values make work feel less like work? And why does he have such strong opinions about clarity?

Robert dishes out wisdom with a side of wit, helping us tackle life’s big questions with plenty of “aha” moments and a few laughs along the way.

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.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Robert MacPhee

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