Real-world examples of identifying core values in goal setting

Starting with real examples instead of theory

Most people try to set goals by asking, “What should I do this year?” A better question is, “Who do I want to be, and what do I care about?” That second question points straight to your values.

To make this practical, let’s walk through several examples of identifying core values in goal setting across different areas of life. You’ll see how someone notices what matters to them, names the value, and then shapes a goal around it.

Career and work: examples of identifying core values in goal setting

Imagine Jordan, a 32-year-old project manager who feels drained every Sunday night. Nothing is “wrong” on paper: good salary, decent benefits, remote-friendly. But he keeps thinking, “Is this really it?”

Instead of jumping to a new job search, Jordan looks for patterns:

• He lights up when mentoring junior colleagues.
• He loves solving tricky problems with a small team.
• He feels frustrated when projects are driven only by profit, with no clear benefit to customers or society.

From that reflection, he identifies a few core values:

• Growth (helping others develop)
• Collaboration (working closely with a team)
• Impact (wanting his work to matter to real people)

Now he can set values-aligned goals. Here are some examples of examples of identifying core values in goal setting in his career:

• Because he values growth, he sets a goal: “Complete a coaching or leadership course within 12 months and formally mentor at least two colleagues.”
• Because he values impact, he sets a goal: “Within 18 months, transition into a role at a company whose mission aligns with social impact or sustainability.”
• Because he values collaboration, he sets a goal: “Volunteer to lead at least one cross-functional project this year that requires deep teamwork.”

Notice the flow: experience → value → goal. That’s the pattern you’ll see repeated in the best examples of values-based goal setting.

For more on how values link to work satisfaction, you can explore resources on career fit and well-being from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Health and wellness: examples include energy, longevity, and self-respect

Now meet Alexis, 45, who keeps setting the same vague goal every January: “Get in shape.” It never sticks.

This time, instead of obsessing over a number on the scale, she asks herself:

• “Why do I care about my health?”
• “When have I felt proud of my body and choices?”

She realizes:

• She wants to be able to hike with her teenagers without feeling exhausted.
• She wants to lower her risk of heart disease, which runs in her family.
• She feels better about herself when she follows through on commitments.

From this, she identifies core values:

• Vitality (having energy and stamina)
• Family (being present and active with loved ones)
• Self-respect (keeping promises to herself)

Here are real examples of identifying core values in goal setting for her health:

• For vitality and family: “Walk at least 8,000 steps a day and do one family hike every month for the next year.”
• For self-respect: “Schedule and complete an annual physical, including bloodwork, by March, and follow my doctor’s recommendations.”

This lines up with guidance from health organizations like Mayo Clinic that emphasize sustainable lifestyle habits over quick fixes.

Values turn a generic “get in shape” into something emotionally meaningful: “I move my body because I want to be the parent who can keep up.”

Money and financial goals: example of aligning values with spending

Money is one of the clearest windows into your values. Look at your bank statement, and you’ll see what you actually prioritize, not just what you say you care about.

Take Priya, 29, who feels constantly stressed about money despite earning a solid income. She notices:

• She spends a lot on eating out and travel.
• She gives small monthly donations to a few charities.
• She feels guilty about not saving more for the future.

She asks herself what matters most:

• Freedom (not feeling trapped by debt or paycheck-to-paycheck living)
• Experiences (travel, trying new things)
• Contribution (supporting causes she believes in)

Here are some examples of identifying core values in goal setting when it comes to money:

• For freedom: “Build a 3-month emergency fund within 18 months by automatically saving 10% of each paycheck.”
• For experiences: “Create a dedicated travel fund and contribute $150 a month so I can take one meaningful trip each year without using credit cards.”
• For contribution: “Increase charitable giving from 1% to 3% of my income over the next year, focused on education and hunger relief.”

Now her budget is not about restriction; it’s about directing money toward her values. That shift makes it much easier to stick with.

Relationships and family: best examples of values guiding boundaries

Values show up strongly in how you relate to other people: partners, friends, kids, coworkers.

Consider Miguel, 38, a people-pleaser who says yes to everything: extra work, family favors, social events. He’s burned out and resentful.

He reflects on times he felt both happy and drained in relationships and spots these values:

• Authenticity (being himself, not just who others want him to be)
• Respect (mutual consideration of time and energy)
• Presence (actually being mentally there, not just physically)

Here are real examples of examples of identifying core values in goal setting in relationships:

• For authenticity: “Have one honest conversation per month where I share my real opinion or need instead of automatically agreeing.”
• For respect: “Before committing to any new favor or event, pause and say, ‘Let me check my schedule and get back to you,’ so I can decide thoughtfully.”
• For presence: “Have two phone-free dinners at home each week where we talk for at least 30 minutes without screens.”

His goals are no longer random resolutions like “set better boundaries.” They’re concrete actions that protect and express his values.

If you’re curious about how healthy relationships affect mental health, organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health highlight the role of social connection and boundaries in well-being.

Personal growth and learning: examples include curiosity and mastery

Some people feel most alive when they’re learning. Others value stability more. Neither is better; what matters is knowing which one is yours.

Let’s look at Samira, 26, who feels stuck in a routine. She notices she’s happiest when:

• She’s learning new skills.
• She’s reading or taking online courses.
• She’s working on creative side projects.

From this, she identifies core values:

• Curiosity (exploring new ideas)
• Mastery (getting really good at something)
• Creativity (making things that didn’t exist before)

Here are best examples of identifying core values in goal setting for her growth:

• For curiosity: “Complete one online course every quarter in topics that genuinely interest me, like design or psychology.”
• For mastery: “Practice digital illustration for 30 minutes at least four days a week and build a portfolio of 20 finished pieces by year-end.”
• For creativity: “Share at least one creative project publicly each month, whether on a portfolio site or social media.”

These goals are powered by internal motivation. She’s not learning because she “should” but because it expresses who she is.

Time and lifestyle design: example of turning values into a weekly schedule

Values are not just for big life decisions; they show up in how you spend an average Tuesday.

Consider Daniel, 41, who constantly says, “I never have time for myself.” When he tracks his time for a week, he sees:

• Hours lost to scrolling social media.
• Work bleeding into evenings.
• Very little time for hobbies or rest.

He realizes he deeply values:

• Balance (not being consumed by work)
• Joy (doing things just because they’re fun)
• Health (sleep, movement, mental recharge)

Here are examples of identifying core values in goal setting for his time:

• For balance: “Set a hard stop on work at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, three days a week to start, and protect that time.”
• For joy: “Schedule two hours every Saturday morning for a hobby (guitar, painting, or reading) and treat it like a non-movable appointment.”
• For health: “Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep by setting a consistent bedtime and no screens 30 minutes before bed, five nights a week.”

Time becomes a reflection of values, not just obligations.

A simple step-by-step way to identify your own core values

After seeing these real examples of identifying core values in goal setting, you might be wondering how to do this for yourself. Here’s a simple, human-friendly way to start.

Step 1: Notice your “highs” and “lows”

Think of three moments from the last year when you:

• Felt proud of yourself.
• Felt deeply frustrated or disappointed.

Ask: “What was being honored or violated in that moment?” You’re looking for patterns like fairness, independence, creativity, stability, love, adventure, or growth.

Step 2: Turn patterns into value words

If you loved mentoring someone, that might point to growth, service, or connection. If you hated being micromanaged, that might point to autonomy or trust.

You can also use value lists from positive psychology and well-being research. The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley and similar organizations often discuss values like compassion, gratitude, and purpose, which can spark ideas.

Step 3: Pick 3–5 values for this season of life

You don’t need a perfect forever list. Just pick a small set that feels very true right now. For example:

• Family
• Health
• Creativity
• Security
• Freedom

Step 4: Translate each value into one clear, behavior-based goal

Use this simple formula:

Because I value [VALUE], I will [SPECIFIC ACTION] by [DATE/TIMEFRAME].

For example:

• Because I value family, I will plan one tech-free family night every Thursday for the next three months.
• Because I value security, I will pay off $2,000 of debt over the next six months by cutting back on takeout and redirecting that money to payments.

This is how you create your own examples of identifying core values in goal setting instead of copying someone else’s ambitions.

FAQ: examples of core values and goal setting in everyday life

Q: Can you give a simple example of identifying a core value and turning it into a goal?
Yes. Imagine you notice you feel happiest when you’re helping others and most upset when you feel useless. You might identify service as a core value. A values-based goal could be: “Volunteer two hours per week at a local food bank for the next six months.” That’s a clear example of turning a value into a concrete action.

Q: What if my goals don’t match my current lifestyle?
That’s common. Many people discover, through examples of identifying core values in goal setting, that their calendar and their values are out of sync. Start small: adjust one or two habits or commitments so they move a little closer to what matters most. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight.

Q: How often should I revisit my core values and goals?
Values tend to be fairly stable, but how you express them can change as your life changes. A good rhythm is to review them at least once a year, or after major life events like a move, a new job, a breakup, or becoming a parent.

Q: Are there best examples of values that lead to success?
There’s no universal “best” set of values. What works is alignment. Research on psychological well-being shows that living in line with your personal values supports motivation and mental health, regardless of which specific values you choose. The key is honesty with yourself, not picking the “right” words.

Q: Do I need a coach or therapist to identify my values?
Not necessarily. Many people use journaling, reflection, or worksheets to get started. That said, coaches and therapists can help you see patterns and blind spots. If you’re already working with a professional, you can bring your reflections and ask for help turning them into goals.

When you look at all these examples of examples of identifying core values in goal setting, a clear pattern emerges: goals stick when they feel like an expression of who you are, not a performance of who you think you’re supposed to be.

If you remember nothing else, remember this simple test for any goal you set:

“Does this goal feel like me?”
If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.