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Values Based Goal Setting: How to Identify Actionable, Personal Core Values

  • Writer: Gillian Forth
    Gillian Forth
  • May 31
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 5

Woman with glasses studying at a wooden desk with a laptop, books, and notebook. Earphones in, focused expression. Cozy room setting.

1. Reflect on your past experiences:


  • Think about times when you felt the most joy, accomplishment, or satisfaction. What activities, relationships, or situations contributed to these feelings?


  • Consider times when you felt most proud. What values were you upholding or demonstrating in those situations?


2. Identify values that resonate with you:


  • Create a list of values that come to mind, both from your reflections and from reading lists of potential values.


  • Examples of values include: integrity, compassion, resilience, creativity, independence, initiative, honesty, etc.


  • Write down the values that feel most important and meaningful to you.


3. Categorize and refine your list:


  • Group similar values together. For example, if you value both "adventure" and "excitement," you might group them under the theme of "exploration".


  • Eliminate any duplicates or overlaps. Identify the core value that best represents the group.


4. Prioritize your top core values:


  • Rank your values in order of importance to you. This will help you determine your top 3-5 core values.


  • Refine your list by eliminating values that are not as important to you as others.


5. Define your values:


  • Once you've identified your top core values, take some time to define them more specifically. What do they mean to you, and how do they guide your decisions and actions?


  • Write down short, clear definitions of each value in your own words.


6. Identify what these values look like in ACTION - What behaviours demonstrate these values? Think daily, weekly, monthly, annually


eg. Commitment to Personal Growth - proactively engaging in activities that foster self-improvement and development. This includes learning new skills, seeking feedback, embracing challenges, and continuously reflecting on your progress.

  • Every day I will read an article or at least ten pages of a non-fiction book to learn about new ideas, perspectives, and challenge my current understandings.

  • I will practice guitar for 30 minutes every day

 
 
 

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