We often hear ‘stay on track with your goal’ or ‘Don’t stray from your goal’ — But how do you discern whether you’re on track or not?
Here’s 2 quick steps to help you out.
Step 1: Understand Your Values.
Your values are what determine the direction or goal.
What’s most important to you in life?
- Family
- Love
- Honesty – Authenticity
- Health
- Peace
- Giving
- Faith
- Growth
- Responsibility
- Loyalty
- Trust
- Expressiveness
- Freedom
- Reliability – Timeliness
- Teamwork
- Financial Independence
- Grace
- Gratitude
- Fun
- Happiness
- Balance
- Harmony
- Curiosity
- Integrity
- Self Awareness
- Joy
- Mindfulness
- Openness
- Patience
- Respect
- Spirituality
- Tradition
- etc…
A Few Constant Values are Key to Success
In some aspects of your life your values may change but having a few values that are constant throughout is key to success.
For example — my life values are Authenticity, Growth and Integrity (being the change I want to see), but for when I’m giving a speech I’ll add in Fun. For business — it’s still Authenticity but I’ll check to make sure I’m following my Passion, Trusting and taking Responsibility. You probably have quite a few values that are important but pick a few that mean the most to you.
Let your GPS guide you
Your values are your own built-in GPS system. When you’re feeling stuck or you have a decision to make, check in with what’s most important to you. “Am I following my values here?” If not, make a correction. Knowing your values bring clarity and focus for any situation. Otherwise we can get caught up in the ‘shiny objects’ and stray off track.
Step 2: Gauge what Direction You’re Facing.
Feelings are the gauge for discerning whether you’re still heading in the right direction. When life is flowing and you’re happy, you’re living congruent to your values and you’re on track. When you’re feeling stuck, frustrated or lost, you’re off the path and you’ve forgotten your values. Check in with your GPS to find the path again.
Get a list of feelings here to help you
Self Reflection
When I’m struggling with work – saying “it’s so difficult” I stop and re evaluate, “what am I feeling and what are my values here?” Am I being authentic? No — I’m doubting myself, but pretending it’s okay. I’m feeling a lack and instead of focusing on my Value of Giving and what I have, I’m focusing on the money. That’s why I’m struggling. So, I remember my Passion… take Responsibility for my experience and remind myself that I’m learning to run my own business, it’s okay to not know everything. Back on track.
“Values dictate your finish line and feelings show where you’re heading”
Liz Coleman, RTC, is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor based in Surrey, BC. She specializes in anxiety, anger, insecurity, and relationship problems. If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Ms. Coleman at (604) 809-8947 or use the convenient form on her Contact page.