Ease Into The New Year With Personal Values Not Goals
Ask these questions to define your Personal Values before you do any goal setting.
It is the time of year when “New Year New You” is a primary marketing message from brands, thought leaders, and news outlets trying to grab your attention.
Sadly, setting goals this time of year can be difficult, because of the ‘aspirational influence’. If you are setting goals inspired by media, social media, or other outward influence, you may not be setting the right goals for yourself.
While we encourage time for reflection to consider how you may want to revamp or tweak your lifestyle in the new year, we strongly believe in aligning your goals with your personal values.
What are Personal Values
Personal Values are a set of standards that influence the way you make decisions, build relationships, and pursue your dreams and ambitions. They represent what is most important to you and drive your actions.
Having a clear set of Personal Values has a positive impact on how you operate in life. By acting according to your personal values you will be more fulfilled, connected, and satisfied with your ability to make decisions with positive outcomes in mind.
Examples of Personal Values
Honesty - People who value honesty must tell the truth even if it causes discomfort. If they talk around an issue in order to make a topic more palatable, they would be in conflict with this value.
Creativity - People who value creativity find fulfillment in the process of making something, developing new ideas, or bringing an idea to life. Having an outlet for this expression is important to them.
Family - People who value family have a need for quality time with people who they love. Time to spend with these people will provide a feeling of contentment, connection, and satisfaction.
Curiosity - People who value curiosity have a need to explore the unknown. They may experience excitement or added energy when they learn about something new to them.
Wellbeing - People who value wellbeing benefit from developing their relationship with self. Learning about their own physical, mental, and emotional operating system will bring feelings of connection and ease.
Collaboration - People who value connection are motivated by teamwork. Finding ways to work with others, share ideas, and move towards a common goal will provide satisfaction and energize those with this value.
How to reflect on your past year to refine your Personal Values
Pull out a journal or blank document and respond to these prompts, then look up lists of “Personal Values” and see what aligns with what you have written.
What was your most meaningful event this past year and why?
What was the most disappointing thing to happen last year and why?
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
What do you wish you had done differently?
What changes made you feel most inspired?
Who is someone you aspire to be more like and why?
What did you enjoy most this past year?
Final Thoughts
There may be overlap of your responses to these prompts, and that is perfectly ok. Seeing the commonality of what has been most impactful for you is a great way to refine your set of values.
