Note: Goal vs Value

I am reading The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris. One of the ideas I've really liked is Russ Harris's distinction between goals and values. In brief: goals are things we can achieve. They have an endpoint. For example, getting a promotion, running a 5k, or saving $1,000 (pretty please) are all goals. You've done them; they're complete. Values, by contrast, are ongoing ways of being or directions you choose to move in. You can't "finish" being a solid friend, a learner, or an honest person. Those values can guide your actions every day, whether or not you've achieved any particular goal. They give you a direction.

Try: Pick one goal you have right now. Write for 10-15 minutes.

• What do I hope this goal will give me?

• If I had that, what would be different?

• What value or direction is this goal pointing me toward?