On values and goals
If you want to achieve something in your life ... something meaningful, something that you value, you are going to need to get to know yourself properly.
To "know thyself" you need to figure out what matters to you, what you feel is important in your life.
Understanding what your personal values are - not those of your parents, partner or friends - is a key to hearing your own voice, knowing what action to take and how you want to behave. Once you know your values you can set goals that are congruent with them and take action that matches those values (valued action).
Through aligning goals with our values, we are genuinely inspired to find the energy and persistence to go after those goals with our whole heart.
With our values as the basis of our motivation, we can be clear about the 'why' of our choices.
This motivational knowledge is key to achieving goals that may at times be long and difficult, and require extra determination and perseverance to achieve. Knowing which values are being served by the action you take:
- you'll endure higher levels of pain and pleasure in their pursuit
- you will have more patience and persistence to go the distance
- you'll believe in yourself and your ability to reach the goals
- your internal experience of your life is significantly more positive and rewarding
Living in line with your values leads to all sorts of positive, enjoyable results such as feeling like you are on the 'right' track, supporting and growing your self-esteem, reducing internal conflict, clarifying how you live your life and what you do each day.
Values knowledge = intention/goals = action/behaviour
When our values and our behaviour are congruent, we set goals with our highest values in mind, we see the greatest opportunity to live the life we value and we are inspired to do things that count.
So what are your values?
Sarah xx