Are Your Goals Aligned With Your Values?
Posted on March 09, 2018 by Carter Leffen, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
Is it possible that a well-intentioned goal could end up causing more harm than good?
If you’re reading this article, the odds are pretty good that you have, at some point, created a goal or two for yourself. They may have been for something short term, like completing a term paper or landing a new job. Others may have been long-term, like starting a business or saving for retirement. Well set goals get you halfway to success. Is it possible that a well-intentioned goal could end up causing more harm than good?
Brian comes from a strong pedigree. His parents are both motivated and successful. It was inevitable that he would be a success too. His parents, both of whom are high achievers, taught him how to set goals. Before entering university, Brian set out to create some long-term goals for himself:
- Graduate at the top of the class
- Land his dream job after graduation
- Get married by 27
- Make partner before 40
It wasn’t easy, but Brian was able to graduate at the top of his class and land his dream job in finance. While working long hours is typical of someone in his role, Brian, now 25, met Jane, the woman of his dreams. A year later, friends and family stood around as they exchanged vows on a beach in Maui. Life was good for Brian. In fifteen years, Brian‘s career progressed faster than he could have hoped. So fast that he ended up making partner three years ahead of his goal.
Brian’s education, success, and wit opened many doors for him. Soon he was being asked to take part in TV and Radio shows related to his field. Unfortunately, the time he invested in his career was putting a strain on his family.
Many years ago, while on that Maui beach, Brian proclaimed his love and devotion towards his bride. He said he’d put her first before anything else. Like his dad, Brian valued family. But, there was a disconnect between his goals and values. The long hours, early mornings, and late nights played a toll on his marriage. His wife and kids rarely saw him, and his health began to wane.
It’s easy to see that he was able to achieve in his career, but at what price? In a nutshell, he had not calibrated his goals with his values. Because of that, he took for granted those things he valued. The goals he had set out years ago ended up as the top priority instead.
Taking time to write down your values is a great way to learn more about yourself. If you can, devote an hour to see what drives you and what you value most. If you feel up to it, share what you’ve written with those close to you and get their feedback.
Are you one of those who has their goals already written down? Then this is a perfect time to analyze whether they are harmonious with your values. If you find some goals aren’t in sync with what you hold dear, now is the time to re-evaluate these goals.
Do you have things you want to achieve, but don’t have them written down? Now is the best time to start the process. The act of writing your goals down, even if you don’t review them every day, helps solidify them in your mind. After you’ve written them down, check them against your values. How do they match up?
If you feel like Brian, there is still time for you to take stock of what you have and refine your goals. What we view as success in one season in life may end up being completely different in another. Every day is a chance at new beginnings, take the opportunity now to chart a new course. Want someone to partner with you through this process? I’d love to help you through it. Contact me or Schedule a Sample Session Today.
