Living your Values and setting Goals in 2021

‘Values based living’ — you’ve probably heard it before and thought it sounds a bit ‘waffly’ but it is all too easy to just let your life float by without truly living and living to your fullest potential.

Our values are a testament to our ‘true selves’. They are what matters most to us when it comes to both our personal and professional life. ‘Knowing’ who you are deep down and what drives you is the key to living a purpose driven life. The heartbeat of your ‘authentic self’ is made up of your values.

Values can be taught and can be deeply rooted in family and culture and we may share many of our values with loved ones but it is all too important to identify your own values and ensure they are ‘chosen’ by you and not ‘put’ on you. Often our values are linked with what truly brings us joy, what drives us, what influences that little voice in your head that tells you whether or not to care about something and how to prioritise your time, how to interact with others, what to care about, who to spend time with.

There are no right or wrong values but there may be some that you feel should be given more ‘weight’. Your core values help determine which direction you should be travelling in life and act as a guide for setting meaningful goals. Core values define who we are while helping us find our purpose, direction and meaning.

Here are a few good examples of many core value words:

Authenticity

Social Connection

Justice

Curiosity

Status

Leadership

Honesty

Generosity

Adventure

Loyalty

Kindness

Integrity

Compassion

Security

Learning

Knowledge

Community

Spirituality/Faith

Openness

Love

Determination

Wealth

Respect

Optimism

Friendship

Challenge

Stability

Responsibility

Growth

Creativity

Wisdom

Hospitality

Health

Caring for environment

Diversity

Values and Goals however are not the same: Values can be described as principles that guide the direction we travel in (like a compass). They ground our decision making and root our actions; whereas goals represent the specific things that we would like to achieve whilst moving in that direction.

E.g. we might live by the value of respecting the environment and have a goal to attend a community litter picking event, when we have completed the event, we have achieved our goal but continue to live in accordance with the value. We might then set a new goal of cycling to work 3 days a week rather than driving. Some values can overlap e.g. cycling to work could also link with a value around supporting your own health.

Write down 3 Core Values you try to live by:

1.

2.

3.

If you are not sure where to start, sometimes it can be helpful to look at your bank balance or your use of time and see if this is in line with your life values/philosophy or if you are going off track.

By working out your core values, you can then set goals and do more of the things you want to do. Try to think of one goal for your top core value. Maybe this can be a short term goal that you aim to achieve in the next week or 2 or a longer term goal that you aim to achieve within 6 months or a year.

Think…where do you want to be and why?

1. Set a goal that will genuinely motivate you. When you take time to set a goal, try and analyse why it is so meaningful to you. If you are not truly excited about it then it is probably not worth pursuing, so think of another one!

2. Try and keep your goals SMART, meaning; specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound.

3. Another golden rule is to put you goals into writing. This physical act makes them tangible and real. They feel important and you can go back to them at any time to review how you are getting on.

When you write your goals down, use the words ‘ I WILL…’. Instead of I might or I would like to. ‘I WILL’ rings with power and intention, you’ve set yourself a mission and you intend to accomplish it.

4. Make an action plan. By writing down individual steps and crossing each one off as you achieve it, you will realise the progress you are making which will help keep you motivated. This is especially important if your goal is big or long-term or particularly demanding. Sometimes if we concentrate too much on the end goal, we can feel overwhelmed and end up stuck. Instead by breaking down a goal into small more do-able steps, you are more likely to move forwards and achieve.

5. Don’t give up. Remember goal setting is an ongoing activity, not just a means to an end. Set reminders to keep yourself on track and make time to review your goals regularly.

• You can also have more than one goal. Types of goals include; Financial, Career/Business, Free Time/Family Time, Health/Appearance, Relationship, Personal Growth, Making a Difference

but remember to keep them SMART…too many goals might mean you can’t focus your time and attention and end up not achieving any.

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.”

…

Mahatma Gandhi