Why is identifying your values so important?

Before you sign-up for Zipcode Wellness, we ask you to take some time reflecting on what makes you, you!  The unique, wonderful, fantastic you!  Whatever the reason you signed up with us, we want to tap into your inner (or intrinsic) motivation to help you achieve your goals. 

The first step in doing that is to identify (or if you’ve already done it, revisit) your values.  Values are what are most important to you and knowing why you’re investing in our program, is a key part of your success roadmap.  Values help us make decisions, take actions and move towards the life we want to live.  They are your true north, your compass, that keeps you headed in the direction you want to go. 

So the more your goals are linked to your values – why they’re important and how will it impact your life - more you will be focused on strategies to achieve your goals with us. 

When (not if) your motivation gets shaky or you’re “not in the mood” to train throughout our time together, we’ll draw upon your values to keep you focused and pumped to work towards your goals.  

All of us have done a values activity here at Zipcode Wellness and we are real-life examples of how keeping values top-of-mind has led to living a more authentic life! 

Actually, Zipcode Wellness was borne out of deep reflection which started with a values activity! This is why we believe doing a values activity is an important element in getting you set up for success with Zipcode Wellness.

If you’re thinking this is all just “fluffy” pop psychology – think again!

Studies have shown that the more we align our core values and principles with our goals, the more likely we are to benefit from our goal plans (Erez, 1986) and increase the likelihood of achieving success (Kerns, 2004).

Locke & Latham (1990) state that goals that flow from values are inherently more meaningful and more likely to be achieved than those picked at random or those selected because you think you should focus on them.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg as to how values can impact your goal achievement – but also how it can impact your entire life!

Want to learn more?

See below for more resources

Books

The Happiness Trap: How to stop struggling and start living by Russ Harris (2008)

Coach Yourself: Make Real Change in Your Life by Anthony Grant & Jane Greene

Focus by Heidi Halvorson

Internet Articles

The Difference between Goals and Values and Why both Matter

https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting-psychology/

https://positivepsychology.com/life-worth-living-setting-life-goals/

Kerns, C.D. “Strengthening Values Centered Leadership: What, Why and How,” Graziadio Business Review, 7 (2) 2004. (http://gbr/pepperdine.edu/index.php/2010/06/Strengthening-Values-Centered-Leadership/).

Research Papers & Textbooks

Erez, M., & Arad, R. (1986). Participative goal-setting: Social, motivational, and cognitive factors. Journal of Applied Psychology, 71(4), 591–597. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.71.4.591

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (1990). A theory of goal setting & task performance. Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice Hall.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (Eds.). (2013). New developments in goal setting and task performance. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group