Discovering your core values and purpose is a foundational aspect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Here’s a comprehensive list of values often used in ACT to help you determine what matters most to you, along with some reflective questions to guide you:
Common Values in ACT
- Authenticity: Being genuine and true to oneself.
- Compassion: Showing kindness and empathy towards others and oneself.
- Courage: Facing fears and taking action despite discomfort.
- Creativity: Exploring and expressing one’s imagination.
- Curiosity: Seeking knowledge and new experiences.
- Fairness: Treating others justly and equitably.
- Family: Prioritizing relationships with family members.
- Friendship: Valuing and maintaining close relationships with friends.
- Freedom: Seeking autonomy and independence.
- Generosity: Giving and sharing with others.
- Gratitude: Appreciating and recognizing the good in life.
- Health: Taking care of one’s physical and mental well-being.
- Honesty: Being truthful and transparent.
- Humor: Finding joy and laughter in life.
- Learning: Pursuing knowledge and personal growth.
- Love: Building and maintaining loving relationships.
- Mindfulness: Being present and fully engaged in the moment.
- Perseverance: Persisting in the face of challenges.
- Respect: Treating oneself and others with consideration.
- Responsibility: Being accountable for one’s actions.
- Security: Seeking stability and safety.
- Spirituality: Exploring and connecting with one’s spiritual beliefs.
- Trust: Building and maintaining trust in relationships.
Reflective Questions to Identify Your Core Values
- What brings you the most joy and fulfillment in life?
- When do you feel most alive and engaged?
- What are you proud of achieving or doing in your life?
- What are the qualities you admire most in others?
- When you envision your ideal life, what are the key elements?
- What issues or causes are you passionate about?
- How do you want to be remembered by others?
Steps to Determine Your Core Values
- Reflect on the questions above: Take your time to thoughtfully answer each question.
- Identify common themes: Look for patterns or recurring themes in your answers.
- Prioritize your values: Choose the top 5-10 values that resonate most strongly with you.
- Clarify each value: Write a brief statement for each value, explaining what it means to you and how it guides your actions.
Aligning Your Life with Your Values
Once you’ve identified your core values, it’s important to align your actions and decisions with them. This involves setting goals and making choices that reflect what truly matters to you. By living according to your values, you can foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment, even in the face of challenges like depression and anxiety. Remember, discovering your core values is a personal and ongoing journey. It’s okay for values to evolve or change over time as you grow.