Aligning Goals with Values

The Context

Life is a web of interdependent and dynamic relationships – an ecological whole with you at its centre experiencing the push and pull of competing interests; receiving, processing and sending information at lightning speed. In this complex pulsing web where exactly do we have choice? How can we make sense of it all? Which impulse to satisfy; which dream to invest in?

Tuning In
Take a moment to tune in and reflect on your situation. What are you experiencing? How do you feel about what’s happening in your life? Consider for a moment what you want to experience – in your relationships, your career, your finances, your home, your health, your community and with yourself. Whether you wish to lose weight, manage a smooth life transition, heal from a nasty accident, forgive someone or set a clear vision and direction for your future, coaching can help you. Remember, if you don’t like what you’re experiencing you can change what you’re doing and get other results. Goal setting is an effective strategy for moving forward toward what you want – it’s a highly creative process.

Silencing the Chatter
Deep breathing can quiet the mind and effectively center and ground you in the moment. Straighten your back and with your feet on the floor, take a slow, deep breath in, exhale gently. Breathe deeply for 3 – 4 breaths.. In this quiet, deeply centered state, ask yourself what it is you really want and continue the deep breathing process, relaxed and prepared to see or hear what your inner Self wishes to convey. Trust that the wisdom of your deeper Self will surface and present whatever is most important to you as a kind of a seed of an idea – it may be a word, a picture, a sound or a sensation. In the right conditions, this seed of a vision, can be nurtured into an attainable goal. Working with a coach can help you discover these deeply held wants.

Visioning the future to activate the core
Engage your imagination to clarify the vision of the seed in its maturity. Imagine having attained this vision – having achieved your goal – how does it feel, what does it look and sound like? Do you feel energized or depleted? What are your feelings telling you?

Defining Scope
Now define the scope of the vision or goal you wish to attain. Your vision may be too vast to achieve without setting short-term goals as milestones. Small, short term goals achieved can build confidence as you develop your skills and enhance your level of competence.

Impact Assessment
Pursuing your goal will inevitably impact your life, your relationships, your daily schedule. Take time to consider these impacts. What changes will you need to make to move forward? What do you want to let go of? What supports do you want to put in place? What will your life look like when you achieve your goal and who’s still in the picture?

Goals that inspire
Now restate the goal so it resonates with your values – til it rings true and expresses your core values. Appreciate and enjoy the process Make your goal SMART.

S – specific

M – measurable

A – aligned to values

R – realistic

T – time based

The more specific you can be, the more attainable your goal becomes.

If you feel a sense of tug/pull in your gut that gets you excited you’ve got a great goal. This emotional pull can help sustain your commitment as you move into action.

Double Check – Ask yourself
How will achieving this goal benefit me?

What are some risks and what can I do to minimize them?

What impact will taking on this goal have on my life, my relationships and schedule?

What can I let go of to make room for this goal in my daily life?

What milestones can I identify as markers along the way?

What does success look like – how will I know I’ve arrived?

Is it worth committing to?

What can I commit to taking on this week?

How will I hold myself accountable for achieving this goal?

Revisit the goal – do you really want to do it? Yes? Great! Now, you’re ready to develop the plan of action – the road map that’ll help you achieve it over time. If you need help mapping the route, bouncing out ideas, developing strategies or want support along the way, I’m ready to help. Contact me for a FREE trial coaching session and see how fast you can move into action with a coach to support your process.

Copyright © Julia von Flotow 2007