Value-Based Goal Setting
Everyone agrees – 2020 was a challenging year for many. As a country, Australia rallied around our communities who were facing significant natural disasters, before coming together again to navigate through a global pandemic. Most countries around the world introduced ‘lockdown’ measures of some kind, which resulted in stay at home orders forcing many to ‘stop’. Many have reflected on this time and the newfound focus it presented.
Flexible work is being introduced into many workplaces; employees are wanting to find a better work / life balance so they can continue to strengthen connections they made with family and loved ones; and many people have appreciated the benefits gained from spending more time outdoors.
As we begin 2021, we can return to the traditional focus of goal setting, or assigning a new years resolution. However, for 2021 we encourage you to consider values-based goal setting.
What are values?
Values are what is most important to us and give us direction in life – they define the person we want to be. Values can never be achieved, but they influence the quality and purpose of your journey. Take some time to consider your values, thinking about what is important to you. When thinking about values consider:
- Family and friendships: what personal qualities would you like to bring to these relationships? What sort of relationships do you want to create? How would you interact if you were the ideal you in these relationships?
- Work and career: What do you value in your work? What kind of worker would you like to be? If you were living up to your ideal standards, what qualities would you bring to work?
- Leisure/Recreation: What sort of hobbies, activities or sports do you enjoy? How do you relax and unwind, or have fun? What activities would you like to do?
- Parenting: What sort of parent would you like to be? What sort of qualities would you like to have? How would you behave if you were the ‘ideal’ you?
- Health and Wellbeing: How do you want to look after your health? Why is this important to you?
- Spiritual/Religious Beliefs: What does spirituality mean to you? What is important to you in this area of your life?
Once we have defined our values, we can begin to set meaningful goals.
Goal Setting
Goals are the stepping stones we take as we move towards our values. They are the actions we can
take every day, that reflect our beliefs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a
psychological therapy model that focuses on teaching us to behave more consistently with our
values. ACT recommends setting SMART goals to assist you in living a life based on your values.
- Specific – what, when, where and with who
- Meaning – goals guided by your values
- Adaptive – likely to improve your quality of life
- Realistic – is the goal realistically achievable
- Time-framed – set a day, date and time
Getting Started
To help you get started, here are some examples of SMART goals that are aligned with a value.
Example 1
- Value: I value health and wellbeing, and value leading a healthier lifestyle and have more energy.
- SMART Goal: I will be active for at least 30 minutes a day, at least three days a week for a year.
Example 2
- Value: I value parenting and being available and present with my children.
- SMART Goal: To kick a ball with my children for at least 30 minutes, once a week for a year. To create a time to be more present with my children (to talk, connect and enjoy each other’s company).
Reviewing our Goals
When setting goals, we need to find a balance between those that are overly easy to achieve, versus those that are unattainable. It is important to revisit your goals and assess how you’re doing. This can ensure we keep a focus on our values and the process of tracking towards reaching our goals. Review your goals weekly, and set new milestones as needed.
You can track your progress in a journal, and reward yourself when you reach a milestone. Don’t forget to forgive yourself if you miss a day or don’t achieve something.
Final Words
Setting goals can help trigger new behaviours, keep us focused and help sustain momentum in life. It can also help improve our mental health and level of personal and professional success. Armed with our values and the behaviours to back them up we can move forward towards living a values-based life.
