Make This Your Year of Setting Goals that Align with Your Values

I'm not a fan of resolutions. While they're set with good intentions, we almost never keep them, and I have a theory as to why.
Why It's Hard to Keep Resolutions
Instead of making one resolution that aligns with who you are today, resolutions are often huge aspirations: arbitrary goals we think will make us better versions of ourselves in the future.
That might not sound like a bad thing, but if it's a huge stretch and doesn't feel like something the real you would actually do, it's likely that you won't bother. And if you give up, you could end the year feeling badly about yourself, which is definitely not the point of the exercise.
Make Your Goals Count
What if there was another way to enter a new year, and get to the end feeling like you made it count? I think it's possible, if you're able to set goals that align with your values—not your aspirations. Let me break this idea down. It's my favourite way to set goals for the year!
1. The first thing to keep in mind is a simple statement: your values are not your aspirations. Your values aren't the things you aspire to care about or make more time for. Your values are the things that truly matter to you right now at this moment in time.
2. With that in mind, search for "personal values" or "core values" online and you'll find lists upon lists of them. This is one of my favourites, and I find myself scrolling through it every few months to see if any of my values have changed (they do—and should).
3. Write down 4-6 words that pop out for you. The last time I did this, mine were: adventure, explore, connection, presence, calm and slow. You might notice there's a recurring theme in yours, or maybe each word will be very different. It doesn't matter, as long as they feel good to you. These are your current values.
4. Finally, spend some time thinking about what goals you could set so you can finish the year feeling like you're living according to your values. For example: If your values include family, friends and spontaneity, a big goal could be to save up for a family vacation. A smaller goal could be to simply budget for more coffee/dinner dates with loved ones.
It's OK to Dream Big
I want to be clear and say that it's still fine if your goals feel a little aspirational. In fact, "growth" or "learning" could be on your list of values. Maybe this year will be a big year for you, but it's also fine if your goals feel more grounded.
After determining your values, your goals can be more specific than generic resolutions. They'll be personalized to you, by you. How fulfilling would it be to get to the end of the year and feel like you lived (and budgeted) according to your values? It's doable. I'll say cheers to that.
Related posts



Legal Stuff
This article or video (the “Content”), as applicable, is provided by independent third parties that are not affiliated with Tangerine Bank or any of its affiliates. Tangerine Bank and its affiliates neither endorse or approve nor are liable for any third party Content, or investment or financial loss arising from any use of such Content....
The Content is provided for general information and educational purposes only, is not intended to be relied upon as, or provide, personal financial, tax or investment advice and does not take into account the specific objectives, personal, financial, legal or tax situation, or particular circumstances and needs of any specific person. No information contained in the Content constitutes, or should be construed as, a recommendation, offer or solicitation by Tangerine to buy, hold or sell any security, financial product or instrument discussed therein or to follow any particular investment or financial strategy. In making your financial and investment decisions, you will consult with and rely upon your own advisors and will seek your own professional advice regarding the appropriateness of implementing strategies before taking action. Any information, data, opinions, views, advice, recommendations or other content provided by any third party are solely those of such third party and not of Tangerine Bank or its affiliates, and Tangerine Bank and its affiliates accept no liability in respect thereof and do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of any information in the third party Content. Any information contained in the Content, including information related to interest rates, market conditions, tax rules, and other investment factors, is subject to change without notice, and neither Tangerine Bank nor its affiliates are responsible for updating this information.
Tangerine Investment Funds are managed by Tangerine Investment Management Inc. and are only available by opening an Investment Fund Account with Tangerine Investment Funds Limited. These firms are wholly owned subsidiaries of Tangerine Bank. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.