Why you need values-based goals
The past two years have been challenging. High velocity change has become the norm and sometimes it’s hard to keep up. This constant and persistent change may leave you thinking there is no reason to set goals. But it is constant change that is precisely the reason why you need goals. And more importantly your goals need to be in alignment with your values. Goals keep you from entirely losing your footing when it feels like the rug is constantly being pulled out from under you. Creating goals that are in alignment with your values will keep you focused on what really matters.
Setting values-based goals allows you to drive your own bus.
Keeping your head down and forging forward is an extremely outdated way to grow a career. If your current plan consists of nothing more than continuing what you’re doing and expect everything else around you to remain the same, then ever-changing business needs may leave you in a ditch. It’s time to be proactive and clarify what matters most to you. Setting values-based goals allows you to drive your own bus.
Create your own path.
There is no rule that requires you to follow someone else’s expectations. Today’s work environment is less likely to present a clear path for moving forward. If you are unclear of where you are headed, then it’s time to create your own path. The first step in setting career goals is to be very clear about everything that matters to you. You must examine the importance of work, home, learning, growing and a variety of other personal values to ensure you’re really on the right path. Setting values-based goals ensures your goals are worth achieving. If you don’t know what’s most important to you, then how can you plan where you are going?
Values-based goals will be the beacon that guides you.
Unless you have a clear vision of what you value most, it’s easy to get distracted, become disillusioned and feel dejected when your circumstances change. Take the reins back by knowing what is important to you and being aware of what it takes to get it. Changes may cause you to alter your path, learn new skills or even jump ship, but values-based goals will be the beacon that guides you in the right direction, even if the context changes.
Don’t let a seemingly unattainable goal stop you in your tracks.
You might be thinking that what matters most to you is out of reach. Dreaming of a really big goal, like owning a home, growing your family or taking a sabbatical, can be overwhelming. So much so, you could end up doing absolutely nothing. Don’t let a seemingly unattainable goal stop you in your tracks. The key is to establish realistic timelines and determine what it will really take to accomplish it. Break everything down into action steps, from start to finish. This part of the process may seem tedious, but it is really the most critical. By listing each and every thing that has to be done, the reality of each step is visible and also much more doable. You’ll be able to plan realistic timelines with greater accuracy. Establishing clear objectives and tracking your progress will also help ensure your target dates are realistic.
Take back control of your life.
Having clearly defined, values-based goals is powerful. Having fundamental goals that represent who you want to be in this world and what you want to get out of your life helps keep you on track. The clearer you are about what matters most to you, the better decisions you’ll make. You’ll be able to ask the right questions before making your next move. Make sure you learn as much as you can about potential opportunities to determine if they are right for you. Gaining the right information, long before you are pressed to make a critical decision allows you to make powerful choices. Having a plan that is consistent with your values can be the fuel you need to change your own reality. Helplessness turns into hopefulness. Take back control of your life and set some goals for your future.
To learn more about this topic, check out Sherri’s Goal Setting webinar on January 11th, 2022.
This is so good! Exactly the guidance we need in these difficult times.
So glad it is helpful, Louise!