Values are what we find meaningful in life. They are what you care about and consider to be important. Values are different for everybody and they can change over time. Get to know your values in the worksheet below.
Values are different from goals. Goals can be ‘achieved’ whereas values are more like compass directions that we want to head in. For example, we might have the goal of getting our children to school on time, which sits within the value of ‘being a good parent’, or the goal of going for a jog while placing value on exercise and physical health.
When a person fails to live in accordance with their values, they will often feel unsatisfied. For example, someone who values their family very highly, yet spends little time with them, is unlikely to feel content.
Taking the time to explore one’s values can help to illuminate facets of life that are over or under-attended to. Each question is designed to get you thinking about what matters the most, to you. The domains below are valued by some people. Leaving aside obstacles for the moment, think about what is important to you, and what you think makes for a meaningful life that you could value.
What grade would you give each value? from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
Family Relations grade from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
What kind of relationships do you want with your family?
What kind of mother / father / brother / sister / uncle / aunt do you want to be?
Marriage / couple / intimate relations
grade from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
What kind of husband / wife / partner do you want to be?
What qualities do you want your children to see in you?
Friendships / social relationships
grade from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
What sort of friend do you want to be?
What friendship is important to cultivate?
How would you like to act towards your friends?
Employment grade from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
What kind of work is valuable to you?
What qualities do you want to bring as an employee?
What kind of work relationships would you like to build?
Education / training / personal growth
grade from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
How would you like to grow?
What kind of skills would you like to develop?
What would you like to know more about?
Recreation grade from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
How would you like to enjoy yourself?
What relaxes you? When are you most playful?
Spirituality grade from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
What kind of relationship do you want with God / nature / the Earth?
Citizenship / community grade from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
What kind of environment do you want to be a part of?
How do you want to contribute to your community?
Physical wellbeing grade from low 1…2…3…4…5 important
What kind of values do you have regarding your physical wellbeing?
How do you want to look after yourself?
Instructions: Understanding your values will help you better focus on what’s important to you. The above questions will help you think, in detail, about what your values might be. If there are any sections that do not apply to you, feel free to skip them.