Inspiring Values

Values are your internal drivers

Think of your personal values as your internal driving system.  When you set a goal that aligns wit

h your core values you essentially hit the accelerator and move quickly towards your goal.  When you set a goal that opposes your values system, you are hitting the brakes and come to a stand still.

So how do you know if your goal is in alignment with your core personal values?

There is a simple exercise you can do to identify which value your goal relates to. 

Steps:

1. With your goal in mind ask yourself: "Why is it important to me to achieve this goal?"
2. When you have the answer, ask yourself:  "And what is important about that?"
3. Keep repeating this questioning until you can no longer come up with anything more important than your last answer.

The last answer will represent your highest value for this particular goal.

Q.  Why is it important to align my goals with my values?

A.  When your goal is in alignment with your values you will naturally be much more motivated to achieve it, because it represents something important to you.

When the going gets tough and you need inspiration to take the next step, it is much easier to do when you are clear about what the outcome of that goal represents to you.

There is a deep satisfaction upon achievement of your goal when it is deeply aligned with your core personal values, so the reward is that much sweeter.

Q. What if your goal is set by someone else?

A.  In the context of work, often our goals are set by our managers or employers.  Your task then becomes to find a value that the goal relates to for you.  If you find that the goal conflicts strongly with your values, you will need to have a conversation with your manager to discuss it.

recommended resources

For more information on identifying and prioritising your values, and making your goals easier to achieve, read 'Attitude, Aptitude, Altitude—Choose your 'Tude!' by Robyn Simpson

'Tude E-Coaching Programme