Values clarification exercise

{{whyLabel}}: Starting with a broad list prevents 'blank page' syndrome and helps you recognize concepts that resonate but aren't top-of-mind.

{{howLabel}}:

• Review this list: Autonomy, Connection, Growth, Integrity, Security, Creativity, Health, Justice, Kindness, Mastery, Tradition, Adventure, Contribution, Balance, and Wisdom.
• Quickly circle or write down 15 that feel 'right' without overthinking.
• Focus on who you are now, not who you think you 'should' be.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a written list of exactly 15 potential values.

{{whyLabel}}: Peak moments—times of 'flow' or deep satisfaction—reveal values in their most active and fulfilled state.

{{howLabel}}:

• Identify 3 specific memories where you felt truly alive, proud, or at peace.
• For each, write 2–3 sentences describing what was happening.
• Extract the underlying value (e.g., if you loved a team project, the value might be Collaboration or Impact).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Three peak moments are documented with at least one value extracted from each.

{{whyLabel}}: Intense anger or frustration usually occurs when a core value is being suppressed or violated.

{{howLabel}}:

• Think of 2 recent times you felt deeply frustrated or 'wronged'.
• Ask: 'What was being stepped on here?' (e.g., if a micromanaging boss upset you, your value might be Autonomy).
• Add these 'hidden' values to your working list.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Two frustration-based values are added to your list.

{{whyLabel}}: Many values are synonyms; grouping them helps you find the 'root' concept that drives you.

{{howLabel}}:

• Look at your expanded list (from Phase 1).
• Group similar words (e.g., 'Honesty', 'Transparency', and 'Ethics' might all fall under Integrity).
• Pick the one word in each group that feels most powerful to you.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have 5–8 distinct 'theme' words remaining.

{{whyLabel}}: Forced ranking reveals your true hierarchy, which is critical for making trade-offs in difficult decisions.

{{howLabel}}:

• Compare your remaining values in pairs: 'If I could only have Value A or Value B, which would I choose?'
• Continue until you have a ranked list of your Top 5.
• These are your 'Non-Negotiables'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A final, ranked list of exactly 5 core values is written down.

{{whyLabel}}: Abstract words like 'Success' mean different things to different people; personal definitions make them actionable.

{{howLabel}}:

• For each of your Top 5, write one sentence starting with: 'To me, [Value] means...'
• Example: 'To me, Adventure means trying one thing every week that makes me slightly uncomfortable.'
• Avoid dictionary definitions; use your own voice.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Five personal definitions are documented.

{{whyLabel}}: Your calendar is the truest reflection of your values; an audit identifies where you are 'out of alignment'.

{{howLabel}}:

• Look at your last 7 days of calendar entries or screen time.
• Assign one of your Top 5 values to each block of time.
• Identify 'Value Gaps': Where are you spending time that doesn't align with your Top 5?

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A list of 3 'Value Gaps' (misalignments) is identified.

{{whyLabel}}: Pre-deciding your response to common situations reduces decision fatigue and ensures value-alignment.

{{howLabel}}:

• Create one rule for each of your Top 5 values.
• Format: 'If [Situation], then I will [Action based on Value].'
• Example: 'If a project requires me to work past 7 PM (Value: Family), then I will decline or delegate it.'

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Five 'If-Then' rules are written and saved in a visible place.

{{whyLabel}}: Values are not 'set and forget'; they require regular reflection to remain relevant as life changes.

{{howLabel}}:

• Open your calendar and create a 15-minute recurring event every Sunday evening.
• Title: 'Weekly Values Alignment Review'.
• In the description, add this prompt: 'On a scale of 1-10, how well did I live my Top 5 values this week?'

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring calendar event is active in your primary calendar.