Spiritual practice often begins with self-assessment. Do you feel that you can seek and express democratic values and virtues through your work? Spiritual writer Matthew Fox in The Reinvention of Work observes that "Both life and livelihood are about living in depth, living with meaning, purpose, joy, and a sense of contributing to the greater community." His Holiness the Dalai Lama in The Art of Happiness at Work writes: "Workers should recognize that by actively participating in this workforce, in some way they are acting out their role as a good citizen in their society, a productive member of society. . . . If they think along these lines, then they can see some purpose in what they are doing that is beyond just providing a means of livelihood for themselves." Write a mission statement for your work identifying how it contributes to your community and nation. Keep this on your desk or elsewhere so you can refer to it daily.

— Habib Todd Boerger, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Matthew Fox in Practicing Democracy at Work by Habib Todd Boerger