Identifying Your Values & Goals 

As part of our launching-both the "28 Day Challenge" in January, & our "28 Days To A Healthier You" course in February, here's more information from module one to pique your interest.

This will be a 2-fer, both in this week's blog & podcast, & next week's, because like many of our topics, they are inextricably linked. This week-your core values & goals, & next week-your why & how-to. So, make sure you sign up so you don't miss anything!

Today we'd like to visit our values. Without understanding what your values are, it's nearly impossible to detail an actionable plan to accomplish your goals. Taking a magnifying glass to what you think are your core values often reveals that some really are, & others-not so much.

So it's important to be honest, methodical & realistic when you make the assessment of what your values are. It will make everything that follows easier to craft, put into action & reap benefits from.

For example: I have been a life-long animal lover & owner of rescue animals of all sorts. So I know, beyond doubt, that one of my core values is to take care of weaker, dependent creatures. It's something that is automatically factored into any project I tackle, since caring for animals requires time, money & patience. Another example? My budget, no matter what it has ever been, is always geared toward protecting my health. So even in tough times, one of my core values is to make sure whatever funds I have go to good things for my body first. Long before clothes,jewelry & vacations.

Now that I have identified a few core values that are non-negotiable, I automatically have a better foundational outline when I tackle a new goal or project, that provides the details that will help delineate what resources I will need that I can easily access. This process is imperative, because it short-cuts the time needed to investigate or research, then see what works by trial & error, which is time-consuming & usually costly.

Now that you've established a few core values, it's time to decipher & note what your goals are. The reason we say "decipher" is because very often, people set themselves up to fail by announcing huge, lofty goals that are far too vague or generic for anyone to be able to really say-"this is exactly what I want, so I now I have a better idea of what it will take to accomplish it".

Make your goals as specific & time-sensitive as realistically possible. Declarations like: "New Year's Day, I'll stop smoking." Or "Tomorrow I'll start my diet to lose 50lbs or bust"...

If you've been following us, you can hear us groaning as you paint yourself into a self-sabotaging corner. We want you to succeed, & we know that managing small, attainable goals not only paves the way to triumph, but it's also easier to sustain, & has a built-in reward feature to build your sense of accomplishment & confidence.

Why not try-"I'll reduce my smoking to only after meals." That's a big reduction that is do-able & will build your momentum to ultimately stop for good. Or-" I am going to stop drinking soda, diet or otherwise, because it's nothing but empty calories".

Aha, now you're getting it. These small changes are progress you can stick to even in your hectic everyday life. You've identified your values, chosen your goals, & now you have an easier process that you understand, & can implement to get where you want to go with any project goals you have.

Best, Patrick & Jo-Anna

TakeAway Tip: Engage as many people in your entourage as possible, so that you have a support system of people who want you to succeed. We want to help too! Email us & we walk you through breaking down the details with your values & goals.