Core Value Assessment

Values are like an internal compass. The degree to which we veer off course dictates how long it will take us to get to our destination. Knowing which direction is your true north helps to make every step more surefooted, more stable. There will be less brambles and branches for you to trip over. In real terms, working within your values means less internal conflicts, less boundary friction, less turmoil, less energy wasted moving in the wrong direction. And like the landscapes of life, our values will change overtime. It is worthwhile to do this exercise every year or two, or every time you experience a major life change.

As a creative being, you may get the most from this experience by engaging all of your senses. Carve out 45-60 minutes for this activity. Download and print your Value Sort Cards using the link below:

PREPARATION

Using the PDF attachment, print and cut out the value cards. I recommend using nice card stock (if you have it) as you might save these cards for future use as well.
Get as comfortable as possible. Put on your comfy clothes. Sit at a table or on the floor. Comfort is key.
Light your favorite candle or diffuse your favorite essential oil. Using a calming or favorite scent can help to trigger your body and mind to relax and engage in the activity. It can help you shift your mindset and focus, This is one of the many reasons that yoga studios diffuse essential oil or burn incense during classes.
Make your favorite beverage. Having something special to sip on during the activity can make it feel like a treat and thus encourage you to enjoy the process and be fully present.
It's worth taking your time and getting attuned with yourself so you can get the most honest results. I highly recommend a quick meditation to clear your mind. There are many apps you can use for quick guided meditations (we will delve deeper into meditation and resources later), however, a body scan will work great for this activity. Here's how to do a body scan if you are unfamiliar:
1. Sit cross leg or lay down on your back.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Take 5 deep breaths.
4. Continue breathing deeply as you notice parts of your body. No need to move, just notice the parts of your body and how they feel. (This process helps us clear our minds and creates deeper connection with ourselves through body awareness). Spend about 1-2 deep breaths per area (or more if you feel like you need more time):
  1. Start with your toes.
  2. Move to your ankles.
  3. Up to your legs, knees, then thighs.
  4. Move to your lower back and stomach.
  5. Up to your chest.
  6. Now to your fingertips and wrists.
  7. Up to your shoulders.
  8. Notice your neck.
  9. Up to your sinuses and temples.
  10. End at the crown of your head.

VALUE SORT ACTIVITY

Begin by placing the header cards in a row from "Not at all Important", "Somewhat Important", and "Very Important".
Start cycling through the deck of values and placing them beneath a header card that feels right. The initial sort can be quick and instinctual.
1. As you sort through the Value Cards, listen to your heart/gut. Let go of social constructs and influence. Be honest. Forget about what you "should" care about and focus on the values that really resonate the most with you.
Once you have all of the values sorted, move the cards around as needed.
Once you have all of the cards placed, take a moment to notice your selections. Feel free to take a photo if you find it helpful to look back at all of the values. Get curious about your choices. Did any of them surprise you?
Now set aside all of the cards (including the headers) in "Not at all Important" and "Somewhat Important". We will focus on the "Very Important" values only.
Rank your "Very Important" values by most important to least important. If you have more than ten, please remove the excess values ranking 11 and up.
Make note of your top three values.
1. I recommend keeping the top three cards on your desk or writing them on a notecard to reflect on throughout the year. Place them somewhere that is visible to you on a regular basis so you can continue to reflect on them. These values will continue to come up throughout the program and when making decisions for your business and life.