Values shape how we act and react in a situation. They are your own beliefs about what is right and wrong, what is important and unimportant, and what you should and should not do. Have a look at the list of values below, and think about which ones appeal and do not appeal to you.
- A comfortable life
- Feeling in control
- An exciting life
- Adventure
- To leave a legacy
- Harmonious relationships
- Security
- Helping others
- An enjoyable life
- Beautiful surroundings
- Intimate companionship
- Wisdom
- Shaping the future
- Recognition
- A sense of belonging
- Autonomy
You can dowload a printable PDF of these values here. Once you have done this:
- Cross out any that leave you cold
- Place a tick beside the ten or so values that are most important to you.
If there are one or two values that are especially important to you that we have missed, write them in and place a tick beside them.
You now have some idea about what is important to you. However, some values will be more important to you than others. For example, most of us value both honesty and kindness. Yet, when confronted with a situation in which a friend asks you to give some feedback on something they have done, you may be torn between telling the truth and protecting your friends feelings. While both values are important, you will value one over the other, and this will determine how you respond.
To understand which values are more important than others, you need to create a values hierarchy:
- Take the short list of values you just created and write each value on a separate card.
- Next, compare two values and ask yourself which is more important to you. Your answer determines each value’s place in the hierarchy relative to the others.
- Repeat step 2 with different pairs of words until you are happy with the final order that has emerged.
This is your values hierarchy.
