Take This Values Awareness Assessment to Clarify What’s MOST Important to You?
As part of my training to become a life coach, I had to identify my top five values. I didn’t think the exercise was important and completed the assignment only because it was a requirement. Over the years, however, I’ve come to realize how critical identifying our values is. When you know what you hold dear and don’t lose sight of it, you’re less apt to spend your time and resources on activities that compromise your core values. And you will be more likely to make wise choices if you consider your values before making major decisions, such as accepting a new job, getting into a relationship or committing to an ongoing activity. Yes, you are busy, but are you willing to take the time to consider or re-consider what values are most important to you?
Here are suggested steps to consider which of the 40 values below are most important to you:
- Read the list. Then, reread it and write yes behind the ones that are important to you.
- Go back over the list and choose ten values you feel describe what’s important to you.
- Put your list of ten values aside for a few days or weeks and observe how you make decisions. Would you say those ten choices are an honest reflection of you and the choices you have made?
- If that list of ten reflects you, then narrow those ten down to five values that best represent what’s most important to you. If the original ten values are not reflected by your actions, then reconsider your list again by observing how you spend your time and make decisions. Sometimes what you identify at first as being very important might not end up being a core value for you.
For example, one of my coaching clients chose humor, adaptability, and achievement as three of her top five values. When she reflected on her choices over a period of time, she realized that humor, adaptability, and achievement were valued at work but they weren’t in fact most important to her.
- Once you clarify your top five values, continue to pay attention to them by frequently revisiting them. One question you can ask yourself to focus on the big picture is this: “Do my actions, my calendar, and my checkbook reflect the values I say are most important to me?”
Generosity – Do you regularly give a part of your income to those in need, to a church or organization?
Loving Relationships – Do you enjoy spending your time, energy and resources on others?
Adventure – Do you appreciate new and thrilling experiences?
Beauty – Do you cherish God’s creation and the beautiful things in life?
Humor – Do you love to laugh and see the lighter side of things?
Authenticity – Do you value saying and doing what is true to who you are?
Compassion – Do you value tenderness, kindness, and sensitivity to the needs of others?
Knowledge – Do you set a high value on learning and contributing information?
Committed to Christ – Do you cherish a relationship with Jesus and following Christian principles?
Excellence – Do you enjoy doing something exceptionally well?
Fame – Do you enjoy being recognized and known by other people?
Financially Responsible – Do you value living within your means, saving, and paying bills on time?
Fun – Do you love to be playful, entertain others or clown around?
Service – Do you enjoy helping others?
Power – Do you value influence and control?
Integrity – Do you consistently like to follow your moral or ethical standards of what you believe to be right, honest, or just?
Joy – Do you delight in a cheerful, sunny disposition?
Peace – Do you cherish times of tranquility without conflict or chaos?
Family – Do you enjoy a close, loving family that spends time together?
Respect – Do you value, accept, and honor others?
Stability – Do you treasure a balanced life with little change or upheaval?
Security – Do you appreciate freedom from danger or worry?
Spirituality – Do you value the spiritual aspects of life?
Achievements – Do you enjoy accomplishments and making things happen?
Trust – Do you appreciate people who are reliable and keep their word?
Career – Do you highly esteem your work or profession?
Wealth – Do you love to have an abundance of money, possessions, and/or property?
Wisdom – Do you set a high value on being discerning, wise, or insightful?
Challenge – Do you enjoy solving demanding or difficult problems?
Independence – Do you like to be free from relying on others?
Fitness – Do you like to be physically strong and in shape?
Cooperation – Do you value working as a team with others?
Adaptability – Do you appreciate the ability to be flexible and make adjustments to changing circumstances with ease?
Humility – Do you like to be modest, unassuming, or unpretentious?
Justice – Do you feel strongly about fair and impartial treatment for all?
Loyalty – Do you highly value people who are faithful?
Leisure – Do you treasure time to relax and do what you want?
Ambition – Do you value hard work and the drive for advancement?
Order – Do you value neatness with everything in its place?
Solitude – Do you enjoy time and space to be alone?
