New Year, True You: Setting Goals Grounded in Your Core Values

Ever Wonder Why Some of Those New Year’s Goals Fizzled Out?

As the clock strikes midnight, we’re often encouraged to create resolutions that promise to “fix” us— be more outgoing, earn more, or hustle harder. But what if this year, instead of chasing someone else’s idea of success or following the current trends, you focused on being the most authentic version of yourself?

For years, I fell into the trap of setting goals based on what I should do, what I thought others expected of me, or even things I thought I wanted. I’d resolve to join a gym, be more productive, or say “yes” to opportunities because that’s what I thought I wanted. But honestly, those resolutions rarely lasted, and they never felt fulfilling.

It wasn’t until I stopped and reflected on what I truly valued that things began to change. Instead of making resolutions out of obligation or things that sound like a good idea, I started to base them on my core values—what actually matters to me. Suddenly, goal-setting felt less like a chore and more like an act of self-discovery. I began saying “yes” to things that aligned with my heart and “no” to things that didn’t and for the first time, I stuck to my goals.

If you’ve ever felt the same—setting resolutions that don’t feel right or not knowing why you’re setting them in the first place—you’re not alone. Many of us have never paused to ask ourselves: What do I really value? What’s truly important to me?

This year, I invite you to take a different approach. Let’s stop chasing goals out of obligation and start creating them from a place of authenticity and alignment with who we really are.

Why Values Matter in Goal Setting

Resolutions often fail because they’re driven by external expectations rather than internal desires. Goals anchored in values are different—they’re about living in alignment with who you are and what is truly important to you.

I think of values as a compass, constantly pointing you toward your true north. Just as a compass helps you navigate unfamiliar terrain by showing you the right direction, your values guide you through life’s decisions and desires, helping you discern your true “yes” from your true “no.”

When you’re clear on your values, they act as a steady reference point, keeping you on a path that aligns with who you are and what matters most, even when the road gets confusing or the pressure to conform feels overwhelming.

By setting goals within your values, you:

    •    Feel more connected to your aspirations.

    •    Build a life that aligns with your true self.

    •    Experience greater satisfaction and less burnout.

Steps to a True You Goal-Setting Process:

    1.    Start with Self-Reflection

Take time to think about your identity and values. Ask yourself:

    •    What truly makes me happy?

    •    What am I passionate about?

    •    What kind of person do I want to be this year?

We recommend picking a maximum of 5 values to focus on to avoid getting overwhelmed during goal setting.

If you are struggling to articulate or think of your values, have a look at our sample list below as a guide.

    2.    Clarify Your Values

Write down the principles that matter most to you. For example, if creativity is a value, your goals might include painting, writing, or trying a new craft.

    3.    Set Values-Based Goals

Create goals that align with your values. For instance:

    •    Value: Family → Goal: Plan a weekly family night.

    •    Value: Health → Goal: Commit to 30 minutes of movement daily.

    4.    Ensure Your Goals are Specific and Achievable

Define exactly what it is you want to achieve. For example:

• Instead of saying “get fit” you could say “go for a walk three times a week.

Ensure the goals that you are setting are realistic and attainable with the resources and time you have. For example:

• If you want to save $1,000 a month, but you know this is not achievable within the time and resources you have, you could adjust the amount to a lower that you could realistically save within a month.

    5.    Don’t Compare

Avoid comparing your journey to others. Your goals are about creating a life that feels authentic to you—not one that looks impressive to someone else.

  6.    Check-in With Yourself and Adjust if Necessary

As you work toward your goals, revisit your values regularly. Are your actions still aligned? Adjust if necessary—staying true to yourself is more important than rigidly sticking to a plan.

Final Thoughts

This year, let go of the “shoulds” and embrace the joy of living a life that feels uniquely yours. By setting goals that reflect your values, you’ll create a New Year filled with authenticity, purpose, and fulfilment.