Identify your values

This simple exercise can help you identify your values so you can start aligning your personal goals and actions with them.

It will take about 10 minutes and is worth spending the time to do.

Either get a pen and paper or download the pdf below.

Step 1: Identify what matters most

Below are 103 words describing things people value. Don’t overthink each one — circle any word that feels important to you, right now, in your life as it actually is. Leave the rest. There is no lower or upper limit, but 20-30 words usually works well.

Step 2: Sort your words into groups

Group words together that reflect the same theme. Write each word next to the others that belong with it. There’s no right number of groups (although up to 5 works best for most people), and no right answer – do what feels right for you.

Step 3: Name each group

Give a label to each group of words. You can pick one of the words in the group or a word of your own – perhaps in a native language or a language you are comfortable with. Do not overthink your labels. There are no right or wrong answers.

See the example below – the label chosen for the grouping is in bold.

Step 4: Put your values into action

Reflect on your daily life and list activities you currently do that express your values. Also list activities you are not yet doing, or not doing enough, and would like to do more regularly. This will help you see how you can put your core values into action and the little steps you can take (or are already taking) to move closer to where you want to be.

To identify how to put your values into action, for each group, finish this sentence: “This week, I could act on this value by ……”

For example:

If you are currently having a daily treat of your favourite coffee, scheduling time to go to your favourite live music venue, and gradually trying out the local restaurants by eating out regularly, you are already practicing ‘Joy’. But you might want to connect more with your religious community or spend more time on your spiritual growth – planning activities that reflect this value could help you feel more fulfilled.

Perhaps you find yourself worrying excessively about your university work, or constantly comparing your own work and progress to others. Doing activities that help you express your values of ‘kindness’ and ‘self-expression’ may help you feel fulfilled and distract you from your concerns.

Step 5: Post your values where you can see them

Write your core values in order of priority so they are available as an easy reference when you are faced with tough decisions. Put them on a post-it note on the edge of your computer screen, or your desk. Or take a picture of it and set it as wallpaper on your mobile phone.

Exercise adapted from TapRoot

Discussion

Share in the comments what you learnt about yourself and your values