Our goals are often driven by our core values, but it’s easy to confuse the two, leading to unnecessary stress. For example, my client Ben shared that he valued making more money and felt overwhelmed because he wasn’t meeting that goal. When I asked why he wanted more money, he explained it was to buy things for his children to make them “happier” and to afford more family trips to create meaningful memories together.
Ben had mistaken his deeper values—nurturing his children’s happiness and prioritizing quality family time—for the goal of earning more money. This confusion fueled his stress, as he felt stuck chasing a financial target that seemed out of reach. By guiding him to recognize his true values, Ben realized he could start living them in the present. For instance, he could plan low-cost family activities or focus on being more present with his kids, which aligned with his values and reduced his pressure.
Helping clients distinguish between their goals and underlying values can be transformative. Encourage them to reflect on why their goals matter and what deeper purpose they serve. When clients align their actions with their true values, they often find immediate ways to live more purposefully, easing stress and fostering a sense of fulfillment.
The best to you.