Because let’s face it—life’s too short to focus on stuff you don’t care about. This worksheet is here to help you cut through the noise and figure out what really drives you (spoiler: it’s probably not “replying to emails faster”). No fluff, no pressure, just a simple way to sort through your priorities and maybe even have a couple of “aha” moments along the way. Go on, give it a try—you might just surprise yourself.
Understanding Core Values
Core values are like the inner GPS that guides us through life. Whether you’re deciding what kind of pizza toppings to order (mushrooms over meat, because sustainability matters) or how to handle a tricky work situation, these values shape the choices we make. A values assessment worksheet can help you identify and prioritize what truly matters to guide your decisions.
‘They’re not just a list of nice traits we frame for Instagram quotes—they matter because they drive our behavior, attitudes, and even how we handle those “I need a nap at 2 PM but still have seven tasks to go” moments.
Want to know why you feel uneasy when making certain decisions? That’s the alarm bell of misaligned values. Core values help us pinpoint what feels right, what feels wrong, and what feels like the two-day shipping option on fulfillment.
They influence how we connect with others and tackle life’s opportunities and curveballs, steering us toward meaningful goals (or at least closer to them). Think of them as the non-negotiables in your personal rulebook—they keep you grounded when everything else feels like a mess.
Take this for example. If one of your core values is fairness, chances are you’ll speak up in meetings when someone’s ideas are being overlooked. If creativity’s your jam, routine tasks might feel like soul-crushers unless you can spin them into something fresh.
Understanding your core values and internal values doesn’t just create clarity—it’s like squinting through foggy glasses and realizing they were smudged all along.
Why Discovering Your Personal Values is a Game-Changer
Think about this. Have you ever felt stuck—like you’re on autopilot, saying “yes” to things you secretly dread? That’s probably because the choices you’ve been making don’t vibe with your core values. Discovering your personal values means figuring out why some things click and why others feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
By knowing your values, you get off the passenger seat and behind the steering wheel of your life. You start making decisions that genuinely feel like you. Whether that’s pursuing a profession that aligns with your belief in environmental sustainability or taking a break to strengthen family connections because it ranks #1 on your values list. It’s all about creating a life that reflects you, not the outdated Pinterest board version of yourself.
And here’s the beauty of it—aligning your decisions with your values doesn’t just make you feel good; it reduces internal struggles. No more debating the dreaded, “Should I stay late at work to impress my boss, or should I get to my kid’s football game?” When you know your values, it feels less like a tug-of-war and more like peace of mind.
Taking a Personal Values Assessment (PVA) can help you identify your core values and suggest methods to restore mental balance by aligning your actions with those values.
Oh, and here’s a little extra sparkle. Values have a glow-up moment as we grow. What mattered to you at 22 (spontaneous road trips, thank you) might shift dramatically at 35 (family first because your kid’s recital is non-negotiable).
A Quick History of Values Assessments (Back When It Was a Philosophical Deep Dive)
Values? Not a new concept. Even the wise guys like Aristotle and Confucius were deep into this. They talked about how things like fairness, courage, and kindness weren’t just personality add-ons—they were blueprints for a well-lived life.
Fast forward to the 20th century, when scientists like Carl Jung and Abraham Maslow got curious about how values affect us. (Yes, Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs” guy—he had a lot to say on those things we hold most dear.)
Fast forward again to the 1960s when Milton Rokeach decided we needed more structure to understand personal values. He split them into terminal values (your life goals, like freedom or happiness) and instrumental values (the how-to’s, like honesty or responsibility). This framework turned out to be big—a kind of Rosetta Stone for figuring out what really makes us tick.
Want a fun fact? The concept of values isn’t limited to Western psychology. Cultures worldwide have explored the impact of values on ethics and social harmony. Modern assessments, like the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ), reflect this by analyzing values universally, from New York City to the outskirts of Kathmandu.
Studies have demonstrated the cross-cultural validity of these assessments, proving their effectiveness in measuring values across diverse populations. Tools like the Values Assessment Worksheet can further support individuals in identifying and understanding their core values.
How Personal Values Impact Everyday Choices
Every decision—big or small—is a reflection of your valued behavioral pattern. They’re why you can’t bring yourself to fudge the numbers on a report (hello, integrity) or why you donate to that up-and-coming animal shelter (compassion in action, anyone?).
And it shows up in work too. Think of someone whose core value is growth—they’ll likely seek roles that push their limits, even if it means stepping into the unknown. Alternatively, if security is a big deal, they’re probably in jobs with steady paychecks and clear career paths.
Values work like invisible threads connecting our actions to our priorities. Say you value adventure, and you’re faced with two vacation plans—one to a remote jungle lodge, the other to a reliable all-inclusive resort. Do you even have to think twice?
The Benefits of Values Assessments
Give a values assessment a shot, and you might feel like someone handed you the ultimate owner’s manual to yourself. These tools practically shout, “Here’s what makes you you.”
Consider the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ). It forces you to assess if your daily habits align with the “you” you want to be—whether that’s nailing work/life balance or living healthier. Or the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ), which breaks down values like self-direction and universalism to show what motivates you most. Bonus points? These tools are often cross-culturally validated, which means they don’t just work if you live in one specific bubble.
Another major perk of values assessments is how they streamline professional growth. They expose what drives you—whether it’s innovation, leadership, or teamwork. This clarity doesn’t just land you jobs that pay the bills; it puts you in work that excites you every Monday morning (or at least makes you less grumpy when your alarm goes off).
A Mental Tune-Up for Your Soul
Sometimes, life feels like a poorly written script, and we’re just going through the motions. This is where values assessments become a kind of mental reset button. By identifying the values out of sync with your life, you start taking charge of your story. Want more confidence? More harmony? More balance? Aligning your actions with your values gets you there faster and with fewer “what am I even doing?” moments.
Using assessments like the Personal Values Assessment (PVA) takes the guesswork out of figuring out why you feel off-track. It’s not therapy, but it’s definitely a step toward living solidly in your own weird, wonderful skin.
Top Personal Values Assessment Tools
Personal values assessments are essential tools for understanding an individual’s core values and how they impact their personal and professional life. Here are three top personal values assessment tools that can help you gain valuable insights into what truly matters to you:
The Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ)
The Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ) is a widely used assessment tool that measures an individual’s values and how they relate to their actions. The VLQ is based on the theory of valued living, which suggests that values are a crucial aspect of human behavior. The assessment tool consists of a series of questions that ask individuals to rate the importance of different values in their life, such as family, friendship, and personal growth. The VLQ has been shown to have high test-retest reliability and consistent validity, making it a reliable tool for assessing personal values.
Choosing the Right Values Assessment Tool
Choosing the right values assessment tool depends on several factors, including the purpose of the assessment, the population being assessed, and the level of detail desired. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a values assessment tool:
- Purpose: What is the purpose of the assessment? Is it for personal growth, professional development, or research?
- Population: Who is being assessed? Is it individuals, groups, or organizations?
- Level of detail: How much detail is desired? Do you want a comprehensive assessment or a brief screening tool?
- Validity and reliability: Is the assessment tool valid and reliable? Has it been tested in diverse populations?
- Ease of use: Is the assessment tool easy to use? Is it user-friendly and accessible?
By considering these factors, you can choose the right values assessment tool for your needs and gain valuable insights into an individual’s personal values and how they impact their behavior. Whether you’re looking to enhance personal growth, improve professional life, or conduct research, selecting the appropriate tool is crucial for obtaining meaningful and actionable results.
Wrapping It Up, No Ribbons Required
When it comes to values, there’s no cheat code, but there is a clearer way forward. Know them. Own them. Use them. They’re your decision-making toolkit, your alignment marker for growth, and your secret weapon for feeling like life makes sense even when it’s messy.
Just remember—your values are yours. They’ll shift, they’ll evolve, and that’s okay. Keep an eye on them. Reflect on them. And take the time now and again to check that they’re pointing the way you want to go. You’ll be surprised how much easier life feels when your choices finally start adding up to you.
A Comprehensive List of Personal Values
When exploring personal values, it’s helpful to have a broad selection to choose from. Below is a comprehensive list of personal values that can guide individuals in identifying what truly matters to them. This list can serve as a starting point for self-reflection and self-discovery, helping individuals align their actions with their core beliefs and motivations.
- Accountability
- Achievement
- Adventure
- Authenticity
- Balance
- Beauty
- Compassion
- Competence
- Courage
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Determination
- Diversity
- Efficiency
- Empathy
- Equality
- Excellence
- Fairness
- Family
- Freedom
- Friendship
- Growth
- Happiness
- Health
- Honesty
- Humor
- Independence
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Joy
- Justice
- Kindness
- Knowledge
- Leadership
- Learning
- Love
- Loyalty
- Mindfulness
- Optimism
- Passion
- Peace
- Perseverance
- Positivity
- Recognition
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Security
- Service
- Spirituality
- Stability
- Success
- Teamwork
- Trust
- Understanding
- Wisdom
These values reflect a wide range of human experiences and can influence both personal and professional life. By selecting values that resonate with them, individuals can gain valuable insights into their motivations and establish guiding principles for their lives. This process of self-exploration can lead to personal growth, enhanced well-being, and a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence.
Values Assessment Worksheet
Use this worksheet to identify your core values:
- Write down 10 values that are most important to you (e.g., honesty, creativity, family).
- Reflect on how these values appear in your daily life.
- Narrow your list to your top 3-5 core values.
- Write a short statement on how each value guides your decisions and actions.
- Revisit and revise as needed to ensure alignment with your goals.
This exercise can help bring clarity, focus, and intention to your life.
Personal Values Assessment Worksheet
How to Use This Worksheet
This worksheet is designed to help you identify and assess your core values. By reflecting on your values, you can gain valuable insights into what drives your decisions and actions. Use this worksheet as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
Example of a Completed Worksheet
| Value | Importance (1-10) | Why It Matters to Me | How It Influences My Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrity | 9 | It ensures I am honest and trustworthy. | Guides my decisions and builds trust with others. |
| Family | 10 | Family is my support system and source of love. | Prioritizes time spent with loved ones. |
| Growth | 8 | It helps me continuously improve and learn. | Motivates me to seek new opportunities and skills. |
| Creativity | 7 | Allows me to express myself and solve problems. | Encourages innovative thinking in work and hobbies. |
| Health | 8 | Essential for a fulfilling and active life. | Influences my lifestyle choices and habits. |
Blank Worksheet
| Value | Importance (1-10) | Why It Matters to Me | How It Influences My Life |
|---|---|---|---|
Instructions
- Select five values from the comprehensive list provided earlier that resonate most with you.
- Rate the importance of each value on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being extremely important.
- Reflect on why each value matters to you personally.
- Consider how each value influences your day-to-day life and decisions.
By completing this worksheet, you can better understand your core values and how they shape your personal and professional life. Use this insight to make intentional decisions that align with your true self.
FAQ
What is a personal values assessment?
A personal values assessment is a tool designed to help individuals identify and understand the core principles that guide their decisions and behavior. It often involves answering questions or reflecting on scenarios to uncover what matters most in your personal and professional life.
Why is understanding my core values important?
Understanding your core values is essential because they serve as a foundation for your decision-making, goals, and relationships. When you align your actions with your values, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled and live a life that reflects your true beliefs.
How can I identify my core values?
You can identify your core values by reflecting on past experiences, considering your priorities, and recognizing what brings you joy or discomfort. Many people find guided assessments or exercises helpful for uncovering the values that resonate most strongly with them.
Can my personal values change over time?
Yes, personal values can evolve as you gain new experiences, face challenges, or transition through different stages of life. It’s natural for your priorities to shift, so revisiting your values periodically can help ensure they still align with who you are and where you’re headed.
How do core values impact my personal and professional life?
Core values influence how you approach relationships, set goals, and make decisions in both personal and professional settings. By understanding and honoring your values, you can create a more authentic and meaningful life while fostering stronger connections with others.
Matt Santi is an inspiring personal growth and development leader. With over 15 years of experience in business management, HR, and operations, Matt’s career has shaped his passion for guiding individuals on their journey of self-improvement.
As an Eagle Scout, Matt’s dedication to service and community drives his commitment to helping others reach their full potential. He is a self-described personal development enthusiast, always eager to learn and grow from new experiences. Matt’s unique perspective and positive outlook on life influence his approach to writing and coaching others.
Matt’s writing on personal growth and development topics with a straightforward and actionable approach provides readers with practical tools and strategies to help them discover their strengths and abilities. His energy and expertise make him a valuable asset to anyone looking to cultivate a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
