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Values Hierarchy Workbook

A Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying, Prioritizing, and Applying Your Core Values

Introduction

Our personal values shape our decisions, relationships, and sense of fulfillment. Understanding and prioritizing your values can provide clarity, purpose, and alignment in your personal and professional life. This workbook will guide you through a structured process to identify, rank, and integrate your core values into daily life.

Step 1: Identifying Your Core Values

Start by reflecting on what truly matters to you. Below is a list of common values. Read through them and check off any that resonate with you. You can also add your own.

Values List

  • Integrity
  • Honesty
  • Family
  • Health
  • Compassion
  • Freedom
  • Security
  • Adventure
  • Creativity
  • Personal Growth
  • Achievement
  • Balance
  • Kindness
  • Justice
  • Respect
  • Loyalty
  • Leadership
  • Love
  • Financial Stability
  • Responsibility
  • Spirituality
  • Wisdom
  • Fun
  • Community
  • Service
  • Learning
  • Tradition
  • Open-mindedness
  • Excellence
  • Autonomy
  • Generosity

⬜ Add your own: ___ ⬜ Add your own: ___

Once you have selected all that resonate with you, move to the next step.

Step 2: Narrowing Down Your Values

From your selected values, pick the 10 most important to you. Write them below.

Now, narrow it down to 5 values by circling the five that feel most essential.

Step 3: Prioritizing Your Values

Rank your top five values in order of importance, with #1 being the most important.

Think about why each value is important to you. Write a short explanation for your top three:

  • 1: __ (Why? __________)

  • 2: __ (Why? __________)

  • 3: __ (Why? __________)

Step 4: Applying Your Values

Values are most meaningful when applied to real life. Reflect on the following:

  • Decisions: How does my values hierarchy influence my decision-making?
  • Career Choices: Am I in a job that aligns with my top values? If not, how can I integrate my values into my work?
  • Relationships: Do my relationships reflect my values? Are there any areas of conflict?
  • Daily Life: What habits or routines support my values? Are there any changes I need to make?

Write one action step for each of your top values:

  • Value #1: _______ (Action: _____)
  • Value #2: _______ (Action: _____)
  • Value #3: _______ (Action: _____)

Step 5: Revisiting and Adjusting Your Values

Values can evolve over time. Schedule a time in 3 to 6 months to review your values and see if they still align with your life direction.

📅 Next review date: _______

Final Reflection

  • What was the biggest insight you gained from this exercise?
  • How do you feel now that you have structured your values hierarchy?
  • What is one immediate step you can take today to honor your values?

Write your reflections here:

Resources

To further explore and understand your personal values, consider the following resources:

License

This document, Values Hierarchy Workbook, by Christopher Steel is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License.

CC License