Therapy Resource

Values-Aligned Goal Mapping

A guided exercise for setting meaningful goals across life domains

RelationshipsExerciseFree Resource

Goals that connect to your core values are more motivating and sustainable than goals driven by external pressure alone. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy research (Hayes et al., 2021) shows that values-guided goal-setting increases psychological flexibility and persistence through obstacles. In this exercise, you will explore goals across seven life domains, working backward from a five-year vision to identify concrete first steps.

How to Use This Exercise

For each life domain, start by imagining how you want that area of your life to look in five years. Then work backward: what would you need to accomplish in one year to be on track? What could you start this month? Follow these three principles when writing your goals.

  1. 1
    Make goals measurable. Replace vague intentions like 'get healthy' with specific targets like 'exercise four times per week and prepare home-cooked meals five nights a week.'
  2. 2
    Focus on what is within your control. 'Get promoted' depends on others, but 'complete a professional certification course' depends on you.
  3. 3
    Let your one-month and one-year goals serve as stepping stones toward the five-year vision. Each shorter goal should clearly support the longer-term direction.

Relationships and Social Life

This domain includes friendships, social activities, community involvement, and building a support network. Consider: How connected and supported do you want to feel? What kinds of relationships matter most to you?

  1. 1
    Write your five-year goal for relationships and social life.
  2. 2
    Write your one-year goal that moves you toward the five-year vision.
  3. 3
    Write one concrete action you can take this month.

Career and Professional Growth

This domain covers advancing in your field, pursuing education, starting a business, changing careers, or preparing for retirement. Consider: What kind of work feels meaningful to you?

  1. 1
    Write your five-year career or professional goal.
  2. 2
    Write your one-year goal.
  3. 3
    Write one step you can take this month.

Physical Health and Well-Being

This domain includes exercise, nutrition, sleep, medical care, and any physical habits you want to build or change. Consider: What does your healthiest self look like?

  1. 1
    Write your five-year health and well-being goal.
  2. 2
    Write your one-year goal.
  3. 3
    Write one action for this month.

Family and Close Relationships

This domain covers relationships with your partner, children, parents, siblings, or chosen family. Consider: How do you want to show up for the people closest to you?

  1. 1
    Write your five-year goal for family and close relationships.
  2. 2
    Write your one-year goal.
  3. 3
    Write one step for this month.

Leisure, Creativity, and Fun

This domain includes hobbies, creative pursuits, relaxation, travel, and activities you do purely for enjoyment. Consider: What brings you joy or a sense of flow?

  1. 1
    Write your five-year leisure or creativity goal.
  2. 2
    Write your one-year goal.
  3. 3
    Write one action for this month.

Personal Growth and Character

This domain covers emotional intelligence, self-esteem, mindset, habits, and the kind of person you want to become. Consider: What personal qualities do you most want to develop?

  1. 1
    Write your five-year personal growth goal.
  2. 2
    Write your one-year goal.
  3. 3
    Write one step you can take this month.

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