THIS 7 MINUTE VALUES EXERCISE WILL HELP YOU GET TO KNOW YOURSELF BETTER

WARNING — you might find this exercise a little altering, moving, and self-affirming!

Do you have a word, a feeling, or a notion of what plays the most influential role in your daily life, decisions and actions?

Spending less than 10 minutes on this exercise can help you get to know yourself very quickly.

WARNING — you might find this exercise a little altering, moving, and self-affirming!

WHAT YOU NEED:

· a timer (your phone is fine!)

· pen

· paper

1. Spend 3 minutes writing out all of your values.

Example of values: freedom, wealth, fame, love, kindness, health, connection.

Note: if you struggle to think of a value, think of an activity you enjoy and then consider what value that activity brings you. E.g. gardening = peace, running = adventure.

2. Spend 60 seconds cutting that list of values down to just 10.

Note: there is no right/wrong answer. What matters to you might not matter to someone else.

3. Spend 60 seconds cutting that list of values down to just 5.

Note: make sure these are values that truly matter to you — not how you wish to be perceived by others.

4. Spend 60 seconds cutting that list of values down to just 3.

Note: it is likely to start feeling tough now! The remaining 3 values on your list must mean a lot to you!

5. Spend 60 seconds cutting that list of values down to just 1 value.

Once complete, take a moment to consider how this value plays into your life. It is what matters most to you.

Think about how you could use this value when making important decisions, and dealing with difficult situations.

Quite often, we experience anxiety and unease when our lives and actions are not reflective of our values. If, for example, a person’s top Value was “Freedom” it might make sense to see how a Covid-19 Lockdown would make that particular person feel incredibly anxious!

How can you bring your value into your life more and more? How can you live, breathe, and communicate that value in everything that you do? Now that you hold this knowledge, it is in your power to use it to your advantage.