How Value-Setting Shapes Your Goal-Setting Success

Setting goals is exciting - something is empowering about defining what you want and taking steps toward achieving it. But have you ever set a goal, worked hard for it, and then realised it didn’t actually make you happy? Or maybe you’ve struggled to stay motivated, even when the goal seemed important?

This is where value-setting comes in. When your goals align with your core values, they become more meaningful, fulfilling, and sustainable. In my goal-setting sessions, we don’t just talk about what you want to achieve - we first uncover why it matters to you.

What Are Core Values & Why Do They Matter?

Your core values are the guiding principles that shape your decisions, behaviors, and priorities. They reflect what’s truly important to you - not what society, family, or external influences say should be important. Some common values include:

• Growth & Learning – Do you feel most fulfilled when you’re expanding your knowledge?

• Freedom & Independence – Is having control over your time and choices a priority?

• Family & Connection – Do relationships and a sense of belonging drive you?

• Creativity & Innovation – Do you feel the happiest when you’re making or building something?

• Health & Well-being – Do you prioritize physical and mental wellness above all else?

How Values Influence Goal-Setting

Many people set goals based on what they think they should be doing rather than what truly aligns with their values. This leads to burnout, lack of motivation, or achieving a goal only to feel unfulfilled.

Here’s how value-setting makes a difference in goal-setting:

1. Helps You Set the Right Goals

When you know your values, your goals become authentic and meaningful. Instead of setting a goal just because it sounds impressive, you set goals that truly resonate with you.

➡️ Example: If you value family time, a goal to work 80-hour weeks to climb the corporate ladder may not be fulfilling. Instead, you might set a goal to create a better work-life balance or start a flexible side business.

2. Increases Motivation & Commitment

When your goals align with your values, staying committed feels easier. You don’t have to force yourself to work on them - they naturally fit into your life because they represent what you genuinely care about.

➡️ Example: If you value health, waking up early to exercise won’t feel like a chore. It will feel like a priority.

3. Prevents Goal-Setting Burnout

Have you ever worked hard toward a goal, only to realize it wasn’t making you happy? That often happens when goals don’t reflect your core values. Aligning your goals with your values prevents wasted effort and ensures you’re working toward something that truly matters.

➡️ Example: If you value freedom, setting a goal to follow a rigid daily schedule may create stress instead of success. Instead, you might focus on goals that allow flexibility.

4. Helps with Decision-Making

When you’re clear on your values, making decisions about your goals becomes easier. You’ll quickly recognize which opportunities align with your vision and which ones don’t.

➡️ Example: If you’re deciding between two job offers, knowing your values will help you choose the one that fits your priorities - whether that’s salary, work-life balance, or creative freedom.

5. Leads to Long-Term Success & Fulfillment

Goals that reflect your values create long-term happiness because they align with who you are at your core. Instead of just ticking boxes, you’re building a life that truly satisfies you.

➡️ Example: If you value community, instead of just setting a financial goal, you might set a goal to build a business that also gives back to others.

Values & Goal-Setting in My Sessions

In Workshop #1, we start with value-setting because clarity on your values is the foundation for achieving meaningful goals. We explore:
✔️ What matters most to you?
✔️ How do your current goals align with your values?
✔️ What adjustments can we make to create goals that truly inspire you?

By focusing on what really drives you, you’ll set goals that not only push you forward but also feel deeply fulfilling.

A Side Note on Values in Relationships

Just like in goal-setting, values also play a huge role in relationships. When you and your partner have aligned values, making big life decisions together - like where to live, how to manage finances, or how to spend your time - becomes smoother. On the other hand, if your values clash, even small decisions can create tension. That’s why value-setting isn’t just a personal exercise - it’s also something to explore in your relationships!

Are you ready to explore your values and set goals that truly align with your life? Let’s work on it together!