Instructions

1. Using the values listed below circle all with which you identify. Feel free to add any other values that you may identify with that are missing from the list.
2. Then, choose the 10 values you identify with most.
3. Now, choose 5 of those 10 values to eliminate. If you could only live with 5 of them, which ones would it be? ​These are likely the values that you hold closest to you.

• Social power
• Authority
• Wealth
• Control
• Prestige
• Social statu
• Capable
• Ambitious
• Personal success
• Pleasure
• Protecting the environment
• Helpful 
• Honest
• Forgiving
• Perseverance 
  

• Zest
• Daring
• Varied life
• Exciting life
• Challenge
• Excitement 
• Creativity 
• Curious
• Freedom
• Choosing
• Creating
• Exploring
• Broad-minded
• Social justice
• Equality
• Order

• Humbleness
• Devout
• Respect
• Commitment
• Tradition 
• Politeness 
• Obedient
• Honor
• Understanding
• Appreciation
• Tolerance
• Safety
• Harmony
• Stability of society, relationships, and self

Reflection Questions

1. ​Which were the hardest values to eliminate? Why?
2. What would your life be like without those values?
3. Did having to eliminate any of the values make you re-think which ones were most important to you?
4. How did you make that decision?
5. What do you want to do with your time on this planet?
6. What sort of person do you want to be?
7. What personal strengths or qualities do you want to develop?
8. In your...work? Relationships? Personal growth? Leisure?

Derived from Schwartz, S. H. (1994). Are there universal aspects in the structure and contents of human values?. Journal of social issues, 50(4), 19-45.
Derived from Harris, R. (2009). ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.