Values Overview & Exercise

1 min. readlast update: 01.25.2025

Overview

  • Values are qualities of our action; they are ways that we wish to be in the world.
  • Values are something we strive for. Goals are something we achieve.
  • Values are a driving force, never permanently achieved or lost. For example, “being caring” is something we strive to do, in our actions, but we can never permanently achieve “being caring.” Sometimes we will be caring, sometimes we won’t.
  • Goals let us know if we're living our values.

Example domains and related values

Social

  • Caring, supporting, connecting, accepting, being honest, opening up, nurturing, communicating well, helping, loving, asserting, being attentive, being present, listening

Personal Development

  • Discovering, striving to understand, accomplishing, improving

Work 

  • Achieving, contributing, being effective, resolving disputes, having influence, making a positive difference

Physical 

  • Being active, eating well, caring for myself, being healthy, sleeping well, being strong

Spirituality

  • Connecting with god or the universe, acting consistently with religious beliefs or faith, living with meaning and purpose, connecting with positive energy 

Community

  • Promoting justice, caring for the weak, helping, serving

Fun

  • Music, art, drama, playing, creating, adventuring, discovering, dancing, writing

Exercise

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