We frequently absorb the expectations of our environments until they feel like our own. This exercise is the practice of untangling what you truly value from what you have been told to value.
Focus solely on your internal drivers. Do not select values based on what you want from others, or what you feel others expect of you.
Expected Outcomes:
1. A distilled list of your non-negotiable core values.
2. A clear framework for making confident decisions.
3. A personalized guide to help you actively live your values.
Session restored.
On the next screens, you will see 77 values. Your goal is simply to feel for resonance. Rely on your immediate intuition rather than overthinking.
Not Important. While arguably important to some, these do not drive your personal identity.
Important. These matter, but are not your absolute drivers.
Extremely Important. These are your essential truths. Keep as many as you feel drawn to; we will refine them later.
How important is to you personally?
You have placed 0 values in your "Extremely Important" pile. Review the semantic groupings below and demote overlapping values to reach a maximum of 15 essential truths.
You have identified your 0 core values. Now we must find the center.
On the next couple of screens, we'll present to you groups of 4 of your top 15 values. Review the cards and select the one that's the most important from the group, followed by the one that is the least important.
If you could only keep one, which would it be?
Of the remaining three, which is the lowest priority?
SET 1 OF 10
Here are your internal drivers. These values rose to the top through your deliberate choices.
What do you think of your top values? Does the prioritization feel right for you?
You have your drivers. Now, you can choose to save this snapshot as it is, or continue deeper into a guided reflection on how to live these values.
Knowing your values is only the first step. Embodying them is the practice. Use these prompts to explore how your drivers guide your daily life, where you feel alignment, and where you might need to course-correct.
Built by Kaleb Loosbrock — founder of AIxUXR, helping researchers thrive (not just survive) in the age of AI.
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The 77 cards in this tool are derived from the Personal Values Card Sort (PVCS), developed at the University of New Mexico. The PVCS is a foundational tool used globally in clinical and coaching settings to help individuals articulate what truly matters to them. Learn more about the Personal Values Card Sort
This exercise is rooted in ACT, an empirically backed psychological framework. In ACT, values are not goals to be achieved, but a compass that provides ongoing direction. Research shows that defining your values increases psychological flexibility—allowing you to navigate stress and make difficult decisions with greater resilience. Learn more about ACT.
If asked to rate values on a 1-5 scale, human nature causes the "ceiling effect"—we rate everything a 5. To uncover what truly drives you, this tool utilizes Ipsative Assessment (forced-choice methodology) via Best-Worst Counting. By forcing you to choose between highly desirable options in Phase 2, the algorithm calculates a mathematically precise ranking of your true, underlying priorities. Explore Best-Worst Scaling methodology.
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2011). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Louviere, J. J., Flynn, T. N., & Marley, A. A. J. (2015). Best-worst scaling: Theory, methods and applications. Cambridge University Press.
Miller, W. R., C'de Baca, J., Matthews, D. B., & Wilbourne, P. L. (2001). Personal values card sort. University of New Mexico.
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