Values and Visualisation: A Powerful Duo for Goal Setting
Goal setting is an art that empowers us to shape our lives, moving from dreams to reality. However, the journey towards achieving our goals can be a a long and winding path at times, at least it feels that way. To navigate this journey successfully, we can use two powerful tools: our values and the practice of visualisation. I’d love to share with you my story.
My Journey from Anxiety to Achievement: How I Turned Menial Work into Two Successful Businesses Through Goal Setting
Let me take you through my personal journey of transformation – a journey that defied the odds, shattered limitations, and led me from anxiety-ridden days to the proud owner of two successful businesses. It's a story of how goal setting, values, and visualisation became my guiding stars, illuminating a path of extraordinary growth.
Discovering My Core Values
I embarked on this life-altering journey by diving deep into my core values. Amid the haze of anxiety, caring for two disabled parents, chaotic teenage years and unfinished high school, I discovered that my true values lay in purpose, self-care, love, community, and authenticity. These values weren't just words; they became my compass, guiding me towards a life I had once only dreamed of. As someone who hated school, entering into my mid-20s and discovering the importance of education, it was like a light bulb moment. I knew I was born to work in a field that made a difference in people’s lives. Starting with roles in an International NGO, I worked across various sectors including community development, health, and volunteering, until I eventually started my own business in the helping profession - Welcome Wellbeing Campus.
Visualising success became my daily ritual. With my core values etched into my mind and heart, I pictured myself graduating from university donning cap and gowns, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, and thriving in my studies. These vivid mental scenarios were more than just dreams – they were the blueprints of my future reality. I pictured myself living with autonomy to be my true authentic self by engaging in meaningful work and sharing my teachings through life with others.
My journey wasn't about making leaps; it was about taking consistent, purposeful steps. I embraced the concept of S.M.A.R.T. goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. My first step was embarking on a Graduate Certificate, this was a challenging step considering I had started many certificate courses in the past and never finished one. It was also a mighty challenge considering I hadn’t written an essay or knew was referencing was. This milestone marked the start of my incredible transformation. As I battled through each unit, one assignment at a time, I began to understand the systematic approach to studying. Each subsequent degree became a stepping stone towards my vision. And within these milestones, I celebrated not just the destination, but the journey itself.
My academic achievements were just the beginning. My values of personal growth and education found a new canvas in entrepreneurship. Guided by the same principles that had propelled me through academia, I visualised myself as a successful business owner. These mental rehearsals paved the way for me to establish not just one, but two thriving businesses. Today, I stand as a living testament to the profound synergy of goal-setting, determination, resilience and sheer hard work. My journey wasn't always easy, but it was undoubtedly transformative. I'm no longer defined by anxiety or my past struggles. Instead, I'm defined by my accomplishments and the strength I found within me.
Understanding the Foundation: Values
Values are the compass that guides our decisions, actions, and aspirations. They are the core principles that define who we are and what we stand for. When setting goals, aligning them with our values is crucial for sustained motivation and a sense of purpose. Imagine pursuing a career that conflicts with your deeply held value of environmental stewardship. The dissonance between your goals and values would likely lead to dissatisfaction, even if you achieve success. Therefore, identifying and clarifying our values is the initial step in goal setting.
To uncover your values, engage in introspection, meditation and deliberate time for self-reflection can be useful. Consider times in your life when you felt most fulfilled, proud, or aligned with your authentic self. What were the underlying factors that contributed to those feelings? These are likely manifestations of your values. Common values include integrity, creativity, compassion, growth, and community. By understanding and prioritising these values, you can ensure your goals resonate with your true self.
The Power of Visualisation
Visualisation is a mental practice that involves imagining your desired outcomes in vivid detail. When combined with the alignment of values, visualisation becomes a potent tool for goal attainment. The brain doesn't always distinguish between reality and vividly imagined scenarios, which means that by consistently visualising success, we can rewire our minds to perceive our goals as attainable.
Begin by finding a quiet space where you won't be interrupted. Close your eyes and picture your desired outcome. Engage all your senses - see the details, hear the sounds, feel the textures, and even imagine the scent and taste of success. If your goal is to lead a team, visualise yourself confidently addressing your team members and guiding them towards a shared vision. Experience the emotions of achievement as if it's happening in the present moment. This mental rehearsal primes your mind to embrace success, making you more likely to take actions that lead to the desired outcome.
The Synergy of Values and Visualisation
Now, let's explore how values and visualisation intertwine to amplify the goal-setting process:
Enhanced Clarity: When your goals are rooted in your values, they become clearer and more compelling. Visualisation adds an extra layer of clarity by creating a vivid mental picture of your success. This clarity helps you define your path, making it easier to identify the necessary steps.
Sustained Motivation: Values provide the underlying motivation for your goals. When you visualise your success, you're essentially reminding yourself why these goals are important. This repetition of your values and success scenario reinforces your determination, even when challenges arise.
Overcoming Obstacles: Visualising challenges and setbacks is just as crucial as visualising success. By mentally preparing for obstacles, you're less likely to be derailed when they appear. Values act as a reminder of why you embarked on this journey, and visualisation empowers you to overcome hurdles with resilience.
Authentic Alignment: Goals aligned with your values resonate on a deep level, enhancing your sense of authenticity and purpose. Visualisation solidifies this alignment by allowing you to experience the emotional rewards of reaching your goals while staying true to your values.
Boosted Confidence: Regular visualisation of success builds your confidence. As you consistently see yourself accomplishing tasks and achieving milestones, you develop a "can-do" attitude that bolsters your self-esteem. This newfound confidence positively impacts your actions and decisions.
Putting It into Practice
Implementing the synergy between values and visualisation requires dedication and consistency.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
Define Your Values: Reflect on your core values and prioritise them. Write them down to solidify your understanding.
Set Clear Goals: Align your goals with your values. Make sure they resonate with your inner compass.
Create a Visualisation Routine: Dedicate a few minutes each day to visualise your success. Use all your senses to make the scenario as vivid as possible.
Include Challenges: Within your visualisation practice, incorporate scenarios where you overcome obstacles. This prepares you for setbacks and reinforces your determination.
Practice Mindfulness: Regularly check in with your values and visualise your goals. This mindfulness ensures you stay aligned and motivated throughout your journey.
Values and visualisation are not separate tools but intertwined forces that can transform your goal-setting experience. By aligning your goals with your values and consistently practising visualisation, you unlock a profound synergy that fuels your journey towards success. This powerful combination provides clarity, motivation, resilience, authenticity, and confidence - all essential ingredients for accomplishing your dreams. Remember, the journey is as significant as the destination, and with values and visualisation as your allies, the path becomes both fulfilling and transformative.
If you would like to work with one of our Wellbeing Coaches who can guide you through your goal setting contact us today.