Why you should Ditch Smart Goals and Create Value Goals in 2023
Creating goals is a great way to stay inspired and motivated, but what if we told you that values-based goal-setting could be even more effective? Yes, values are the key to success in 2023!
We all have values; they make us who we are. Values act as a compass and guide our decisions, behaviours, and attitudes. They inform how we see the world around us and make sense of our experiences. But values can also help us set goals that will lead to lasting change in our lives.
WHAT ARE VALUES AND WHY DO WE HAVE THEM?
But what exactly are values? According to Brene Brown's definition of values: "Values are beliefs that guide our behavior, shape our identity, motivate us for action, and give meaning to life." So values are the moral principles that guide us and help us make decisions.
For example, one of my core values is helping. Helping others fills up my cup.
I feel amazing when I can lend a hand or an ear to someone who needs it.🥰
I feel epic when my kids go out of their way to pick up litter or help someone with their shopping.
The lady who had a fall in the road by us was really grateful my husband was there to help her up and check she was ok before rescuing her cream cake from the oncoming car!😊
Next door to us are super helpful. They helped us out with cooking meals when I was less able, they bring gifts for the kids and they hand over a bottle of wine through the hedge when they know its been one of those days. Kind & Helpful don't always go hand in hand.
Be mindful when you are being helpful.
Make sure people want the help or are willing to receive it.
Receiving help is not a sign of weakness but actually a sign of true strength.💪
I used to try to do everything and say I didn't need help, and I was sick of being let down when I expected help and did not receive it. This left me feeling empty.😟
Now I know that getting help, even if it's my 5 year old cleaning the dinner table with a dirty cloth🙈, actually makes me grateful.
I think about the times I received help, the times I could help others, and the times I didn't get help when I needed it. Each of these situations made me grateful for what I have and how I managed to cope alone. This is just one example of how living by your values can help you feel more fulfilled and achieve your goals.
VALUES JOURNAL PROMPTS:
What are values, and why do we have them?
🤔 Are you living in a meaningful way?
🤔 Are you satisfied in life right now?
🤔 What do you truly want out of your life?
This is why we have values.👇
Values give us meaning and purpose in life and help us think about the way we measure it.
The decisions we make every day are a reflection of our core values.😃
Values help us to cement what we believe to be right and wrong and help us with the boundaries within which we live and work, as well as helping us to develop and grow.
🤔What do you want to be known for?
🤔How do you know that your life has been well lived?
Values help us model our behaviour to others, especially our children.
We may all have values, but we must practice them constantly to truly unleash their power and help us become the person we want to be.
🤔What type of person do you aspire to be?
All living beings feel full when shown an act of kindness.
🤔How can you make life better for others?
Don’t forget to be as kind to yourself as you want others to be to you.
🗸 Schedule time each day for self-care.
🗸 Be thoughtful with you kindness.
🗸 Practise mindfulness to be fully present in your life.
In practising kindness to yourself, you are filling up your own cup in order to make yourself better able to be kind to others.🧡
3 STEPS TO VALUE-BASED GOAL SETTING:
Values-based goal setting is all about focusing on values rather than solely focusing on outcomes. For example, instead of having a goal like 'I want to lose 10 kgs', you would have a values-based approach such as 'I want to take better care of my body and lead a healthy lifestyle'. Having values-oriented goals will help you create positive habits that will last for years to come.
- IDENTIFY YOUR VALUES
The first step in values-based goal setting is to identify your values. This can be difficult because values are often hidden deep in our subconscious. To identify values, start by thinking about what's important to you and make a list. Then narrow it down to 5–10 core values that you want to focus on, and shape your goals around those values. Need some extra prompts to help you realize your core values? Download our free Values Journal Reflection Booklet here!
2. WRITE DOWN YOUR ACTION PLAN
Once you've identified your values, write down specific actions that will help you reach your goals. Think of it as an action plan - create a timeline for each goal and set yourself mini milestones along the way so that you can stay on track and motivated!
3. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS.
Set a timer or calendar date reminders for your milestones so you can check-in regularly and re-adjust accordingly. If you need a hand with this, we've created a FREE me-time plugin that helps remind you to look after yourself each day! Consider it like habit-hacking. Check it out here.
By creating values-oriented goals based on what's important to you instead of simply focusing on outcomes, you're much more likely to stick with them and achieve your dreams in 2023!
Good luck on your values-based goal-setting journey this year, moms! With values and a plan of action as your compass, you are sure to reach success in 2021. So take some time to reflect on what is important to you and set goals based around those values. It may be challenging, but it is worth it in the end. Remember: values are the key to success in 2021 so don’t forget yours when writing down those goals this year! Happy values-based goal setting, moms!
Download the FREE Values - Journaling Guide to get your life back on track!
Reference:
https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/