Day 8: How To Set Goals: Values Matter

Establishing and recording personal values is a beneficial practice for several reasons, and psychological research provides valuable insights into the advantages, including greater clarity and awareness, increased intrinsic motivation, and sharper decision-making. Goals that are aligned with those things in life that are important to you are more likely to be achieved. Once you have established your values, you’re set to work on your goals. Use this FREE Personal Values worksheet to establish your values. Once completed, use this Goal Setting Worksheet to set values-based goals.Cognitive behavioural therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Hayes et al., 2006), suggest that setting goals guided by our values is of critical importance for not only success, but also everyday wellness. Therefore, before setting any goals, it is essential to clarify what value(s) underlie these goals. Recognition of your values helps with;Clarity and self-awarenessDefining and recording personal values can lead to greater self-awareness. Research by Sheldon and King (2001), published in the Journal of Research in Personality, suggests that self-awareness is linked to greater life satisfaction and overall well-being. By identifying and recording their values, individuals can gain clarity about what truly matters to them, which can guide their decision-making and provide a sense of purpose.Goal setting and motivationPersonal values can serve as a source of motivation, helping individuals set meaningful goals. According to self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), aligning one's goals with their intrinsic values can enhance motivation and persistence in achieving those goals. This connection between values and motivation can lead to increased goal attainment.Decision-making and ethicsEstablishing and recording personal values can assist in ethical decision-making. A study by Forsyth (1980) in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that individuals with well-defined values are more likely to make ethical decisions, as their values serve as a moral compass for their actions. This is important for both personal and professional life.Stress reductionUnderstanding and adhering to personal values can reduce stress and promote well-being. Research by Schwartz and Cieciuch (2016) in the journal "Psychological Topics" suggests that living in alignment with one's values is associated with greater life satisfaction and lower psychological distress. This can help individuals better cope with stressors and challenges.The framework for goal-setting, as outlined in the worksheet, encourages you to set goals that facilitate development.* An immediate goal* A short-term goal* A medium-term goal* And a long-term goalRecognising your values, choose a domain of life that is important to you, an area where you wish to establish greater meaning and purpose (e.g. Work). Write down a graduated series of goals, from small, simple goals that can be achieved immediately to long-term goals that may not be achieved for months or years but that you will be working towards. We’ll talk more about the SMART process tomorrow.Download The Worksheets* Personal Values Worksheet* SMART(er) Goal SettingMental Skills Basics CourseSuffering stress and anxiety is not a prerequisite for success in self-employment–there's a better way. Mental skills provide you with the means of coping effectively with difficulty and achieving your goals. I created the Mental Skills Basics Course to introduce business leaders, self-employed individuals, freelancers, consultants, and small business owners to the psychological and emotional skills associated with success. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peak.humanperformance.ie