Personal Values Exercise

This exercise is designed to help you reflect on your core values. These are the principles that guide your decisions, motivate your actions, and shape your life. They are a good basis for setting health goals which tap into the things that are most important to you. It's worth writing this down, so grab your fave notebook as you work through the tasks below. If you're struggling, I'd be happy to help in a coaching session.

Task 1: Write your own epitaph

What do you want people to say about you when you’re gone? What kind of person do you hope they’ll say you are? What do you want to be remembered for? This only need to be short, but try and be specific (e.g. rather than “she was kind” think “she was a deeply empathetic person who supported those around her, both emotionally and through practical support”)

Task 2: list all your potential values

Now list out all the potential “values” that you resonate with. These are the principles that guide your behavior. Below there is a list of example values - this is just a starting point, you can use them as inspiration, but you can also write down things that are not on the list. 

Task 3: Prioritise your values

You now need to prioritse those to a list of 5. Start by grouping similar values - can you spot themes? Can some be collapsed together? Then order them in terms of most importance. Useful questions to ask when you get close to having your 5:

• Would it still be a core value if no one saw you do it?

• Would it still be a core value if it didn’t impact your body shape or size, or how you look?

Task 4: Reflect on how your values are showing up

Take a moment to reflect. Where in your life are these values clearly present? Where might you be living out of alignment with your values? How could you make choices or changes that better reflect your values? What support or resources do you need to stay connected to your values?

Example values

Personal Growth & Fulfilment

Learning    Curiosity    Growth    Self-awareness    Wisdom    

Creativity    Adventure    Autonomy     Challenge    Spirituality    

Connection & Relationships

Love    Compassion    Empathy    Loyalty    Intimacy    

Belonging    Friendship    Generosity    Kindness    Community    

Work & Contribution

Achievement    Ambition    Responsibility    Impact    Innovation    

Mastery    Service    Purpose    Leadership    Professionalism    

Freedom & Independence

Freedom    Independence    Flexibility    Choice

Self-reliance    Authenticity    Spontaneity    Non-conformity

Integrity & Ethics

Honesty    Integrity    Justice    Fairness    Trustworthiness

Accountability    Courage    Transparency    Authenticity    

Wellbeing & Balance

Health    Vitality    Balance    Peace    Simplicity    

Play    Rest    Joy    Mindfulness    Self-care    

Security & Stability

Safety    Security    Stability    Predictability

Order    Financial security    Comfort    Structure

Cultural & Social Values

Equality    Diversity    Inclusion    Sustainability

Environmentalism    Tradition    Legacy    Patriotism    Faith