The best goal for you is one that lines up with your personal values. Otherwise if you ignore what is most important to you and pursue a goal that sounds like the right thing to do you might feel disappointed later if it turns out to be the wrong direction in your life. You don’t want to put your ladder up against the wrong wall and then feel you’re stuck in the wrong place.

Before you embark on any significant change, run it past your values. Ask yourself:

What might be the upside consequences of my actions? What might be the downside consequences of my actions? What extra will I have do to achieve my goal? How much will it cost in terms of time and resources? Is it worth the price? What do I like about my current situation? How can I keep the aspects of my life that I like while I make the change?

In addition to your personal values check, it is a good idea to examine how your change will affect the significant people in your life. For you to enjoy your achievements, you may want to give consideration to how your loved ones will feel, so that you can maintain your important relationships. On the other hand, there may be times when you feel compelled to make changes in your life regardless of what other people think. Even at these times, it is still important to consider how they might react so that you can prepare for them in advance.

Do consider the answers to these questions also, as the happiness of your friends and family will affect your own happiness:

How will this change affect my loved ones? Does it go against any of their values? How will they react?

Once you have considered your goal from the perspective of time, money and relationships you’re ready to go. Get started and achieve your goal!

If you want to achieve more success and happiness in your life, visit Petra’s site for her book Fast Track Your Success and Happiness.