Values Card Sort
The Values Card Sort is a values clarification exercise designed to help you connect with what matters most to you, separate from what others might expect or appreciate.
What values are
Values aren't goals. A goal is something you can finish and tick off. A value is a direction, a way you want to show up in the world, that you can keep moving toward for the rest of your life, but never fully complete. Honesty is a value. Buying a house is a goal.
Getting clear on your values can give you a compass, something to steer by when decisions are hard, or there are difficult feelings.
Dr Russ Harris on the difference between values and goals, and why it matters. Watch on YouTube if it doesn't load.
How the activity works
- You'll see a set of value cards. Read each one and notice your immediate, felt response, rather than analysing or prioritising what sounds "best," or what you think others might like. This one's about you.
- Sort the cards into groups based on the instructions on screen. There are three rounds of sorting, designed to narrow the cards down to a short list of the values that matter most to you.
- If asked to narrow your selection, do your best. This isn't a test, and uncertainty is part of the process.
- You can move backwards and forwards between rounds at any point.
Nothing here is saved or sent anywhere. It stays in your browser for this session only.
Acceptance
to be accepted as I am
1Afterwards
You're welcome to bring these into session.
If a value surprised you, or one you expected to matter didn't, that's often the most interesting part. You might also notice a gap between what you've named and how you're spending your time. Noticing that gap can provide valuable information on how to guide us back to what really matters to us.