How to set intrinsic value-based goals?

Setting value-based goals is an important aspect of life and our fulfilment. Living joyfully with a sense of purpose, and having greater fulfilment, serenity and motivation in life requires you to identify what is truly important to you and align your goals with your core values.

Intrinsic value-based goals are objectives that are driven by personal values, principles, and a deep sense of meaning and purpose. These goals are not motivated by external rewards or recognition which can be an added benefit, but rather by a person’s inner beliefs and desires, in alignment with what truly matters to a person on a fundamental level.

When we are open to personal development and understand our values, what we truly hold dear, we can embark on a journey of intentional life design.

Below are some key characteristics of intrinsic value-based goals :

• Identify Your Core Values and align your goals with them: Intrinsic goals are closely tied to core values and beliefs. Start by clarifying your core values. These are the principles and beliefs that are most important to you. Your values might include things like family, health, career success, personal growth, community, or creativity. They also reflect what someone sees as essential in life, such as honesty, compassion, personal growth, or contributing to the well-being of others. Make a list of your top values and once you have your list, prioritize your values. Determine which values are most essential to you and which are less important. This will help you understand which values should take precedence in your goal-setting.
• Set Specific Goals: For your top values, set specific, actionable goals. For example, if family is a top value, your goal might be to spend more quality time with your loved ones. If personal growth is important, you might set a goal to read a certain number of books in a year. Apply the SMART criteria to your goals. Make sure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This helps you create clear and actionable goals. You can go beyond this and ensure your goals are ecological and a win-win for everyone around you, including the environment.
• Satisfaction and Fulfillment: Pursuing intrinsic value-based goals often brings a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment because they resonate with a person’s authentic self. Achieving these goals can lead to a profound sense of purpose and happiness. Review your goals periodically to ensure they continue to align with your core values. Ask yourself if achieving these goals will bring you closer to living a life in line with what you value most. Examples of intrinsic value-based goals might include becoming a more loving, patient and compassionate person day after day as I seek to do. This goal is rooted in the values of empathy and understanding, and the satisfaction comes from inner peace, serenity personal growth and improved relationships.
• Less Dependent on External Validation: Extrinsically motivated goals, which rely on external rewards or approval, which provide you with a temporary dopamine rush at the sense of accomplishment keep you dependent on circumstances outside of you. Intrinsic goals are self-validating and continue to provide ‘feel-good’ hormones because your sense of worth isn’t tied to external factors beyond your control. Individuals pursue them because they genuinely believe in their importance, regardless of external recognition. Engaging in acts of kindness and community service, helping others and contributing to the well-being of the community can be deeply meaningful and align with beautiful values like altruism and generosity. The impact on our own well-being and sense of purpose and meaning in life is powerful.
• Long-Term Commitment: You are more likely to persevere and stay committed to intrinsic value-based goals over the long term. The inherent meaning and significance associated with these goals provide purpose, motivation and endurance. Choosing and pursuing a career in a field that aligns with one’s passions, one that resonates with your interests and values can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

What else can you do to set, review and pursue value-based goals:

1. Break Goals into Smaller Steps: Divide your goals into smaller, manageable steps. This makes them less overwhelming and allows you to track your progress more effectively. See beyond the short term. We can accomplish a lot in the long run, once we commit and continue to take action. It all compounds to massively impressive outcomes.
2. Visualize your Success: Take some time daily to visualize what success looks and feels like for each of your value-based goals. This is one of your best allies in boosting motivation and commitment. Anticipation of our wins fuels our fires.
3. Create a Plan and Stay Committed: Develop a plan or strategy for the whole and for each goal. Consider the resources, skills, and support you need to achieve them. Staying committed to your value-based goals might require persistence and resilience. Remind yourself why these goals are important and how they align with your core values. Another important factor is your mindset and attitude. Invest in yourself to grow and become the person who achieves what you set out to do.
4. Monitor Progress: Regularly review your progress toward your value-based goals. Life happens, and circumstances can go crazy for a number of reasons, team members can leave and relationships can change. If you encounter obstacles, adjust your plan as needed. Seek help and support where needed. Celebrate your successes along the way.
5. Practice Gratitude and Tune into Mindfulness: Incorporate gratitude and mindfulness into your daily life. These practices enhance your awareness and appreciation of the journey toward your value-based goals and contribute to your focus and concentration. I have personally experienced the power of life transformation through this.

Setting intrinsic, value-based goals is a dynamic process in sync with your life and the changes it undergoes. As your values and priorities evolve, you may need to adjust your goals accordingly. Stay open to self-discovery, be flexible and flowing, and invest in your growth as you work toward living a life that aligns with your core values.

As a mindfulness practitioner and life-design counsellor, I help clients focus on their well-being and personal growth, establish priorities, make life choices, define their values and create time for activities that give them personal freedom and independence. Get in touch if you require guidance.