How to Align Long-Term Goals With Personal Values

You have goals that are important to you, but you're unsure if they're the right goals. To live an authentic life -- one congruent with your morals and values -- ensure your goals and values match. That way, you are not working toward a goal you will later regret.

Instructions

• 1

  Make three columns on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil: a small column for the goal; a larger one for steps needed to achieve it; and the last column for your values and ideals. Write down your goals and any short-term actions -- steps -- needed to reach them.

• 2

  Wait a day. Give your head a chance to separate the goals and steps from the values so that you are not confusing them with each other. Write down your values in the third column.

• 3

  Examine short-term steps and goals and determine if they align with your values. For instance, the action of cheating on your exams -- a step -- to graduate from medical school -- a goal -- is not congruent with being truthful, the value.

• 4

  Change the short-term steps, as needed, until they align with your values. Double-check the values against long-term goals. By the time your short-term actions are congruent with the values, your long-term goals should be as well.

• 5

  Periodically update your goals, values and short-term actions. Change them according to your different life circumstances, or whenever your values shift. Perform this exercise as often as needed to keep long-term goals and values consistent.