In our pursuit of personal growth, we often focus solely on setting and achieving goals. While goals are undoubtedly important, there’s another crucial element that can significantly enhance our journey: values.
Understanding the distinction between values and goals, and how they complement each other, can lead to more fulfilling and sustainable progress in our lives.
Values are the guiding principles that shape our behaviour and decisions. They represent what truly matters to us at our core. Importantly, values should be freely chosen rather than imposed by others or society. They’re not what you feel you ‘should’ value, but what genuinely resonates with you.
Examples of values might include creativity, fun, love, open-mindedness, justice, adventure, or compassion (see this list for more ideas). Unlike goals, values are not finite destinations but ongoing directions we choose to move toward. They serve as a compass, helping us navigate life’s complexities and make choices aligned with our authentic selves.
Goals, on the other hand, are specific, measurable outcomes we aim to achieve. They have a clear endpoint and can be ticked off a list once accomplished. For instance, running a marathon or earning a promotion are goals with definite finish lines.
While goals provide us with targets to strive for, values indicate the why behind our pursuits. When we align our goals with our values, we create a synergy that not only drives us towards achievement but also ensures that our accomplishments are genuinely meaningful to us.
Consider this: You might set a goal to advance in your career, but if it’s not in line with your values, achieving it may leave you feeling unfulfilled. However, if your goal of career advancement is rooted in your value of continual learning, the pursuit becomes more rewarding, and the achievement more satisfying.
It’s important to note that values can evolve over time. As we grow and our life circumstances change, our priorities might shift, and consequently, our values are likely to adjust. This fluidity is natural and healthy. For example, someone who once highly valued adventure and risk-taking might later in life find that stability and security become more important to them.
So, how can we discover our values to help achieve the goals we set for ourselves? Here are a few strategies:
- Reflect on past experiences: Think about times when you felt most alive, fulfilled, or proud. What was important to you in those moments?
- Identify your heroes: Consider the people you admire most. What qualities do they embody that resonate with you?
- Explore your dissatisfaction: When you feel frustrated or upset, it often indicates that something you value is being neglected or violated.
- Question societal norms: Ask yourself if the values you hold are truly your own or if they’re expectations placed upon you by others.
Once you’ve identified your core values, you can use them as a framework for setting and pursuing goals. Ask yourself: “Does this goal align with my values?” If the answer is yes, you’re more likely to stay motivated and find the journey meaningful, even when faced with challenges.
It’s worth noting that values-based action isn’t always easy. It might involve accepting uncomfortable thoughts or emotions as part of the process. However, this approach can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
By integrating values into our goal-setting process, we create a more holistic approach to personal development. This method encourages us to not only achieve our objectives but also to live in a way that feels authentic and purposeful.
Keep in mind: while goals give us direction and motivation, values provide the underlying reason for the pursuit. By harmonising the two, we can create a life that’s not just successful (whatever ‘success’ means to you), but also deeply satisfying on a personal level.
The next time you’re setting goals, take a moment to consider and connect with your values. Recognise that these values are your own choices and may change over time. You might find that this simple step transforms your approach to achievement, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life that flexibly adapts as you grow and change.
P.S. Check out this short animation to learn more about values vs. goals 🙂
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