Discover your values

When to use:

• To define your values  

Materials:

• Large sheet of paper  
• Post-it notes  
• Colored markers or highlighters  
• Virtual whiteboard for remote work (e.g. Miro, Mural)  

Instructions:

Below is a list of the most common values. If there is a value that is important to you but not on this list, please add it. 

• Concentration  
• Honesty  
• Safety  
• Creativity  
• Family  
• Accomplishment  
• Spirituality  
• Growth  
• Trust  
• Authenticity  
• Perfection  
• Cooperation  
• Beauty  
• Success  
• Integrity  

• Tradition  
• Happiness  
• Service to others  
• Money  
• Efficiency  
• Health  
• Harmony  
• Work  
• Love  
• Recognition  
• Independence  
• Relationships  
• Risk-taking  
• Child-rearing  
• Adventure  

Step 1

1. Divide the values into two groups: 
   1. Non-negotiable values – these are the values that are most important to you. You may be aware of them, but the name of the value on the list may have prompted you to place it in this group.  
   2. Negotiable values – these are values that are not entirely indifferent to you but are of lesser importance than the values in group 1.  
2. You don't have to use all the values on the main list – if a value has no meaning to you, simply don't include it on either list. 

Step 2

1. Group the values in group 1 (Non-negotiable values).  
2. Look for relationships between the values: 
   1. Check how they are related to each other.  
   2. Does one value have an impact on another?  
   3. Is there a value that is superior to the others?  
   4. Are there values on the list that contradict each other?  
3. Create several such working groups. 
4. Analyze the created groups based on the questions in point 2.  
5. What conclusions do you come to?  
6. You can create several groups, don't attach to a specific number in this case. 

Step 3  

1. Based on the groups developed in Step 2, decide which values are crucial to you.  
2. Record them – there should be no more than 10.  

Step 4  

1. Depending on how many values you chose in Step 3, in this step, select your TOP 3 values from the list you created.  
2. This does not mean that the remaining values are unimportant. They remain with you and are still yours!  
3. Selecting three fundamental values is the foundation of foundations – these values will always guide your actions and decisions in any situation.  

Don't rush through this exercise. It may take a few minutes or days to complete all four steps. Either option is perfectly fine!