How to Align Your Goals, Vision, and Values for Business Success

This post is available in podcast format here.

Time management isn’t just about calendars and to-do lists; it’s about building an intentional system for your time. I call this the Time Mastery System, and it has six core components. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore each one in detail. Today, we’re starting with the foundation: aligning your goals, vision, and values. Think of these as your North Star—they guide your decisions, provide clarity, and keep you on track.

Why Vision, Values, and Goals Matter

Your vision gives you direction, your core values guide your decisions, and your goals provide measurable checkpoints along the way. Without these, it’s easy to fall into the trap of being busy but not making meaningful progress. Let’s break down how to craft each of these foundational elements.

Step 1: Crafting Your Long-Term Vision

A great vision paints a clear picture of where you want your business to be in three, five, or even ten years. It’s your roadmap to success. Here’s how to create one:

• Ask yourself key questions:

  • What does success look like for my business in three to five years?

  • How do I want my customers, employees, and community to perceive my brand?

  • What kind of impact do I want my business to have?

• Write it down: Take some time to journal or reflect on your answers. For example, your vision statement might be as simple as:

  "In five years, I want my business to be the go-to solution in my industry, generating X amount of revenue and providing Y value to my customers."

Use this vision to stay focused, especially when day-to-day challenges arise.

Step 2: Identifying Your Core Values

Core values are the principles that ground you and guide your business decisions. They’re a powerful tool to keep you aligned with your mission.

How to Define Your Core Values:

1. Get a core values list: You can find these online or DM me on Instagram (@RyanLloydCoaching) with the word “values” to get my curated list.

2. Circle words that resonate: On your first pass, highlight all the words that feel important to you.

3. Narrow it down: Go through the circled words and star 3 to 5 that truly resonate. These are likely your core values.

Applying Core Values:

• Use them to guide daily decisions.

• Integrate them into your vision statement.

Step 3: Setting Effective Goals

Goals are the bridge between your big-picture vision and your daily actions. They turn dreams into actionable steps.

Two Key Strategies for Goal-Setting:

1. Start with the end in mind:

   • Break down your long-term vision. For example, if your goal is to grow revenue by 50% in three years, ask:

     • What do I need to achieve this year?

     • What steps do I need to take this quarter, month, week, and even today?

2. Use the S.M.A.R.T framework:

   • Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.

   • Measurable: Establish how you’ll track progress.

   • Achievable: Set stretch goals, but keep them realistic.

   • Relevant: Ensure the goal aligns with your vision.

   • Time-bound: Assign a deadline to keep yourself accountable.

Example of a S.M.A.R.T Goal:

Increase monthly revenue by 10% within the next quarter by launching a new product and implementing targeted marketing strategies.

Your Action Plan

Let’s turn these insights into action. Here are three steps you can take today:

1. Draft your vision statement: Block off 10 minutes to reflect and write down your three- or five-year vision.

2. Identify your core values: Download a core values list, narrow it down, and finalize your top 3 to 5 values.

3. Set one goal for this month: Choose a goal that aligns with your vision and will significantly impact your business.

Bonus Resource

If you’re ready to take action, check out my free mini-course: Escape Business Overwhelm: Plan Your Optimal Week in 15 Minutes. It’s a quick, actionable guide to help you align your weekly plan with your vision and goals. You can download it at ryanlloyd.com/freecourse.