Clarity About Values and Goals

I am always on the lookout for inspiration, and it sometimes appears in unexpected places -- such as insights discovered in my physical therapist’s newsletter.  I spent a lot of time at Cioffredi & Associates in Lebanon, NH after knee replacements in 2019 and 2020 and am happy to report that I am back hiking and skiing!

In one Cioffredi newsletter, PT Marsha Wykes laid out a framework to realize dreams, including clarifying what you want to achieve, what is your why, what is holding you back, and what habits you could practice to get where you want to go.

This is simple, yet practical and profound. How many of us set aside time to get under the surface of our busy lives by writing down what is really important and how we might get there? Aside from the benefits of making sound decisions, having clear goals and priorities fosters resilience, defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

My own version (titled “Life Plan Forward”) starts with a line from Mary Oliver’s poem The Summer Day: “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Next is my why: to inspire myself and others to achieve a higher level of personal and professional performance. Then I list key focal points, vision, and values. I periodically review and edit the list, pondering how daily life decisions and activities live up to this plan. (I am happy to share this document with anyone interested.)

Are you clear about what is most important to you in life and work?  Make a list of your top values and goals, then ponder how much your day-to-day activities support these goals. Consider what you could change and list three specific actions to move in that direction.

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!