Values Card Sort

This activity can help you connect with what actually matters 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 and never fully complete. Kindness, curiosity and honesty are values. 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.

If the video doesn't load, watch it on YouTube (Values vs Goals, Dr Russ Harris, 4 minutes).

How it works

1. 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.
2. Sort the cards into groups based on the instructions on screen. There are three rounds: sorting all the cards, narrowing to ten, then choosing your final five or six.
3. If asked to narrow your selection, do your best. This isn't a test, and uncertainty is part of the process.
4. You can move backwards and forwards between rounds at any point.

Afterwards

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. Noticing a gap between what you named and how you're spending your time isn't a failure, it's valuable information that may guide you back to what matters to you.

The Personal Values Card Sort was developed by W. R. Miller, J. C'de Baca, D. B. Matthews and P. L. Wilbourne at the University of New Mexico (2011). It is in the public domain and may be copied or adapted freely.