Describe how personal values may help you with goal setting

On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “Describe how personal values may help you with goal setting.” This is a key focus area for Life Orientation Grade 11 and 12 under the “Development of the Self in Society” module.

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Quick Answer

How Values Help Goal Setting:

• Provides Direction: Values act as a compass, ensuring your goals lead to a life that feels meaningful.
• Increases Motivation: You are more likely to work hard for a goal that matches what you truly care about.
• Builds Resilience: When things get tough, your values give you the “why” to keep going.
• Ensures Consistency: Helps you avoidintrapersonal conflictby aligning your actions with your beliefs.

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The Relationship Between Personal Values and Goal Setting

In the South African Life Orientation curriculum, personal values are the internal rules and principles that dictate what you consider important in life (e.g., honesty, education, family, or health). Understanding your values is the first step toward effective goal setting.

1. Values as a Filter for Priority

Every day, learners are faced with thousands of choices. Personal values help you filter these choices to set the “right” goals.

• The Process: If you value “Financial Independence,” you will prioritise goals like researching funding options or finding a part-time job.
• The Benefit: This prevents you from wasting time on goals that don’t actually matter to you, reducing stress and uncertainty.

2. Creating Long-Term Commitment (Perseverance)

Setting a goal is easy, but achieving it requires perseverance (continuing despite difficulties).

• The Process: When a goal is “value-driven,” it creates a deeper emotional connection. For example, a learner who values “Community Service” will be more persistent in finishing a difficult project if they know it helps others.
• The Benefit: You are less likely to give up when you face obstacles during NSC exam preparation because the goal is tied to your identity.

3. Reducing Intrapersonal Conflict

Intrapersonal conflict occurs when your actions do not match your beliefs.

• The Process: If you value “Integrity” but set a goal to succeed by accepting corruption, you will experience mental distress and guilt.
• The Benefit: Aligning goals with values ensures “inner peace,” which improves your quality of life and helps you stay focused during exams.

4. Enhancing Career Decision-Making

Your values are a critical tool for career decision-making.

• The Process: A learner who values “Creativity” will set goals to enter the design space, whereas someone who values “Stability” might aim for accounting.
• The Benefit: It ensures that your transition to a post-school destination leads to a career that provides long-term satisfaction rather than just a salary.

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Summary Table: Values vs. Goals

Value (What I care about)	Goal (What I will do)
Health	Join a gym and eat three balanced meals a day.
Knowledge	Achieve a Bachelor’s pass in the NSC examinations.
Independence	Apply for a student loan and find a weekend job.
Ambition	Build a professional career portfolio.

Reference for Students:

• Subject: Life Orientation Grade 11 & 12
• Topic: Development of the Self in Society
• Source: CAPS Life Orientation Curriculum Guide