Have You Aligned Your Values With Your Goals?
Have you ever known someone who would do anything to get what he wanted or to get where he wanted to be? You’ve watched that person be dishonest and take advantage of others to achieve his goal. They say anything and promise everything to get to the top and grab the brass ring.
It may sound like we’re talking about politicians and unfortunately this is true of many of them. But actually, these characteristics are evident in many of those we come in contact with every day in our business and personal life. It’s unbelievable how many people are gullible enough to be drawn in to their web of deceit. These people sacrifice their values to reach their goals.
It’s said that if you want to be successful, if you want to lead, then align your values with your goals. If what’s important to you in your daily living can help you reach your objectives then you’re on your way to the top. Values and goals must complement each other for you to be effective.
But, if you struggle with anxiety and unhappiness as you strive for your aspirations then reaching them may not give you inner peace and happiness even if you’re successful. Don’t act like who you’re not to become someone you won’t like once you get there. If you don’t like yourself then no one else will either.
Define your goals. Of course, there are many types of goals and you must decide which is most important to you and your family. Most people when asked to define their goals first think of their career and monetary achievement.
This may include material possessions and social standing in the community. These could coincide with personal and spiritual goals as you climb the mountain of life. Aspire to strike a balance in all these qualities of life.
Define your values. What do you stand for? Is it courage, honesty, dedication, generosity, thoughtfulness, tolerance, loyalty? What drives you each day to get out of bed and do what you have to do? It could be love of family and God. It could be the thought of possessing power and money. Or, you could just feel peace in helping others achieve their goals.
If you’re to be happy in your career and personal life you must align your values and goals. You could fake it until you make it, but unless these are your true values it would be a hollow victory. Be true to yourself, work hard each day and you’ll become the person you deserve to be.
Who do you admire? It could be a famous person who exhibits the values you’d like to possess. There are many notable politicians, clergy, actors and athletes who live the quality of life you admire. Not necessarily their money but their character. Aspire to be like them.
The person you admire and wish to imitate could also be a personal friend or a family member. Ask them what motivates their lives and how they aligned their values with their goals. If you’re properly aligned with the values and goals of your life, you’ll never regret where you are and where you will end.
