In recruitment (and life) goal setting often gets framed as ticking boxes or achieving numbers. Fill X jobs this month. Hit $Y in billings. But if your goals don’t resonate with who you are and what truly matters to you, they can feel hollow. Worse, they can lead you down a path that might look good on the surface but leaves you unfulfilled.
Let’s get one thing straight: hitting goals isn’t inherently bad. In fact, I’m all about smashing targets. But the key to long-term success and happiness is making sure those targets align with your core values. When you do this, not only do you achieve more, but the process feels right—and that’s where the magic happens.
What Are Core Values, and Why Do They Matter?
Your core values are your personal compass—they guide your decisions, actions, and sense of purpose. They’re the foundation of:
- Authenticity: Staying true to yourself.
- Fulfillment: Feeling that your work contributes to something meaningful.
- Sustainability: Building a career you can love long-term without burning out.
Without these, you risk setting goals that feel like a chore or, worse, lead you in a direction that doesn’t serve your long-term happiness.
The Problem With Misaligned Goals
When your goals clash with your core values, you’ll notice:
- Lack of motivation: It’s hard to stay committed to something you don’t truly care about.
- Burnout: You’re putting in the work but feeling empty at the finish line.
- Inconsistent results: When passion is missing, performance often dips.
- E.g. say one of your core values is making time every day to spend with the kids but your job requires you to work late every day. This is a HUGE mismatch & likely why you feel unmotivated or misaligned with your work.
For example, if connection and relationships are core values, a focus solely on revenue might leave you feeling isolated or unfulfilled.
How Aligning Goals Boosts Success
When your goals match your values, you experience:
- Increased clarity: Decision-making becomes easier because you know what’s important.
- Sustainable motivation: You’re driven by purpose, not pressure.
- Authentic confidence: You feel good about what you’re doing—and it shows.
How to Set Values-Aligned Goals
- Identify Your Core Values
Take time to reflect on what matters most to you. Ask yourself:- What do I want my work to say about me?
- What makes me feel fulfilled at the end of the day?
- Evaluate Your Current Goals
Look at your existing goals and ask:- Do these reflect my values, or someone else’s expectations?
- Will achieving this bring me closer to the person I want to be?
- Reframe Misaligned Goals
If a goal feels “off,” tweak it. For example:- Misaligned: “Hit $100k in billings this quarter.”
- Aligned: “Change 10 candidate’s lives by finding them a job they love, generating $100k in billings.”
- Create a Plan That Resonates
Break your values-driven goals into smaller, actionable steps that feel achievable and exciting.
The Bottom Line
When your goals are rooted in your core values, you’re not just chasing success—you’re building a life and career that truly matter to you. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
Take some time this week to realign your goals with your values. Trust me, the results will go far beyond hitting numbers—they’ll transform the way you show up in your work and your life.
