Translating Goals vs. Values to Outcomes vs. Behaviors
Generally speaking, people think about their goals often but only think about their values occasionally. My gut tells me the reason for this is that people view goals as something tangible and values as intangible. However, the truth is actually the opposite. Values are more tangible than goals.
Ultimately, goals translate to outcomes and values translate to behaviors. Achieving or failing to achieve a goal is just like all other outcomes. It’s something that happens in an instant and then becomes history. What’s more, this intangible moment in time is not only extremely unpredictable but you also have very little control over it.
On the other hand, behaviors are part of your everyday life and these behaviors are the tangible representation of your values. Furthermore, unlike a goal, a value isn’t set just because you say so. For example, just because someone says they value honesty or loyalty doesn’t make it true. Their behavior over time must represent honesty and loyalty, and only then will these traits become part of their values.
As a result, you are better off thinking about your values more than your goals. Resilience comes from values. Self-motivation comes from values. Self-control comes from values. Discipline comes from values. Mental toughness comes from values. Work ethic comes from values. Integrity comes from values. All these things are required to achieve goals, but none of them are acquired by setting goals.
What separates those who achieve their goals and those who don’t are these values. In short, every goal you either achieve or fail to achieve comes down to how your values guide your behavior. So first think about how your values align with your behavior, then start thinking about how your behavior aligns with the outcomes you want from your goals.