Setting Goals That Align With Your Core Values
Setting goals is exciting - there’s something 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 make you happy? Or maybe you’ve struggled to stay motivated, even when the goal seemed important.
This is where value-based goal setting makes all the difference. When your goals align with your core values, they become more meaningful, fulfilling, and sustainable. In my goal-setting sessions, we don’t just discuss 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, behaviours, and priorities. They reflect what’s truly important to you - not what society, family, or external influences say should be important.
Examples of core values for goal setting include:
Growth & Learning – Do you feel most fulfilled when you’re expanding your knowledge?
Freedom & Independence – Is controlling 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 making or building something?
Health & Well-being – Do you prioritise physical and mental wellness above all else?
Learning how to find your core values in life is the first step to setting goals that actually stick.
How Values Influence Goal-Setting
Many people set goals based on what they think they should be doing, rather than what aligns with their values. This often leads to burnout, a lack of motivation, or achieving a goal only to feel unfulfilled.
Here’s how aligning goals with values changes the way you set and achieve goals:
1. Helps You Set the Right Goals
When you know your values, your goals become authentic and meaningful. Instead of chasing something just because it sounds impressive, you’ll set meaningful goals that resonate with who you are.
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.
👉 How to set goals based on your core values begins with self-reflection - not external expectations.
2. Increases Motivation & Commitment
Value-based goal setting naturally boosts motivation. When your goals align with your values, you don’t need to force discipline -— staying committed feels easier.
Example: If you value health, waking up early to exercise won’t feel like a chore. It will feel like a priority.
👉 This is why value-based goal setting for motivation is far more effective than simply relying on willpower.
3. Prevents Goal-Setting Burnout
Have you ever worked hard toward a goal, only to realise it wasn’t making you happy? That’s often a sign the goal didn’t reflect your values. How to avoid burnout when setting goals is simple: make sure they align with what truly matters to you.
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
Knowing your core values makes decision-making easier. You’ll quickly see which opportunities fit your vision and which don’t.
Example: If you’re deciding between two job offers, making better decisions using your values will guide you to the option that best fits your priorities - whether that’s salary, work-life balance, or creative freedom.
5. Leads to Long-Term Success & Fulfilment
When you set long-term success through value alignment, you’re not just ticking boxes - you’re creating a deeply satisfying life.
Example: If you value community, instead of only setting a financial goal, you might set a goal to build a business that also gives back to others.
Values & Goal-Setting in My Coaching Sessions
In our first session, we’ll begin with value-setting, because clarity on your values is the foundation for achieving meaningful goals. Together, we’ll explore:
What matters most to you?
How do your current goals align with your values?
What adjustments can we make to set goals that inspire you?
By focusing on what drives you, you’ll set value-based goals that feel authentic, sustainable, and motivating.
👉 If you’re looking for coaching sessions for values and goals, this is the place to start.
A Side Note on Values in Relationships
Just like in personal goals, core values in relationships and goal setting play a huge role. When you and your partner share aligned values, making big life decisions - like where to live, how to manage finances, or how to spend your time - becomes much smoother.
But when values clash, even small decisions can create tension. That’s why exploring values in relationships is just as important as doing so for your personal growth.
Ready to Set Goals That Truly Align With Your Life?
If you’ve been setting goals but still feel unfulfilled, it might be time to step back and connect them to your core values. Whether it’s in your personal life, career, or relationships, value-based goal setting helps you stay motivated, avoid burnout, and create long-term fulfilment.
Are you ready to explore your values and set goals that truly align with your life?
Let’s work on it together! Email me now to get started.
