Goals are the compass that guides us on our journey through life. They provide direction, purpose, and motivation. But not all goals are created equal. At Eunoia Bloom, we believe in setting what we call “ascensions” – goals that align with our core values, fuel our personal growth, and contribute to a life of purpose. We use the term “ascensions” to emphasize the upward, transformative nature of these goals; they’re not just about achievement, but about personal evolution and external success.

Traditional goal-setting often focuses solely on external achievements: career milestones, financial success, material possessions. While these can be part of a fulfilling life, Eunoia encourages us to look deeper. Ascensions are:

• Value-Driven: They are rooted in what truly matters to us. They reflect our core principles and contribute to a life of integrity.
• Growth-Oriented: They challenge us to expand our capabilities, learn new skills, and become the best version of ourselves.
• Purpose-Centered: They connect us to something larger than ourselves. They contribute to a sense of meaning and leave a positive impact on the world.
• Achievement-Oriented: They can also encompass external accomplishments that align with our values and contribute to our overall vision.

An Eunoia Blueprint for Setting Your Goals:

1. Reflect on Your Values:
   • What are the principles that guide your decisions and actions?
   • What kind of person do you aspire to be?
   • Identify your top 3-5 core values.
2. Define Your Vision:
   • What kind of life do you want to create?
   • What impact do you want to have on the world?
   • Develop a clear and inspiring vision for your future.
3. Set SMART Goals Aligned with Your Vision and Values:
   • Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
   • Measurable: Establish criteria for tracking your progress.
   • Attainable: Set realistic yet challenging goals.
   • Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your values and vision.
   • Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving your goals.
4. Break Down Goals into Actionable Steps:
   • Divide your goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
   • Create a plan with specific actions and timelines.
5. Forge Yourself:
   • This step involves actively shaping your character and mindset throughout the goal-setting process.
   • It’s about developing the inner strength, resilience, and determination needed to achieve your goals.
6. Embrace the Journey:
   • Focus on the process of growth and learning.
   • Celebrate small wins and acknowledge your progress.
   • Practice self-compassion and learn from setbacks.

Eunoia in Action: Examples of Ascensions

• Instead of: “Get a promotion”
  • Try: “Develop my leadership skills by completing a management course and mentoring three junior team members within the next six months, to become a more effective and supportive leader, and increase my earning potential by 10%.”
• Instead of: “Make more money”
  • Try: “Increase my income by 15% within the next year by freelancing in web design, allowing me to donate 10% of my earnings to environmental causes and achieve financial independence.”
• Instead of: “Lose weight”
  • Try: “Improve my overall health and well-being by exercising for 30 minutes three days a week and incorporating more whole foods into my diet over the next three months, resulting in increased energy and improved confidence.”

By focusing on values, growth, and purpose, we can transform ascension-setting from a pursuit of external validation to a powerful tool for personal evolution and creating a meaningful life. We will delve deeper into each step in future blog posts.