Goals and Values

What do you want to achieve in life?

You may not realize it but your values, goals and attitudes can have a direct impact on your stress levels. If your are living your life in accordance with your values, your goals reflect these and your personal wants and needs are being heard and worked towards. If they are being ignored however or you are unable to fulfill your goals you will experience some form of stress in your life.

There are simple ways to set goals e.g. using the SMART format (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound) but before getting to that stage it is important to identify what your true needs, wants and personal values are. Only then will your goals be meaningful and using a technique like SMART will add value.
Below is an exercise, which if you answer honestly, will help you to discover and clarify what is important to you. Set some time aside, have a pen and paper ready and give this exercise your full attention.

The Tombstone Test
When I am gone, what would I like my tombstone to say about me? (Your tombstone can be as large as you need it to be). Include answers to the following questions:

“ How would I like people to remember me in life”?
“ What would I have liked to have achieved in life”?

This should give you a way of taking a step back and allowing you time to focus on what is really important. The next step is deciding what to do with this new information and work towards making a positive change in your life.

If you would like to discuss your next steps contact us to book a session.