Now that you understand the importance of values, it’s time to discover what truly matters to you. One of the most effective ways to do this is through the Values Card Sort Exercise, a hands-on activity that helps you identify and prioritize the values that define who you are.

Many people assume they know their values, but when they take the time to reflect and sort through them, they often discover surprising insights. This exercise will guide you in recognizing which values truly resonate with you, rather than those you’ve inherited from family, culture, or external pressures.

🔹 How the Values Card Sort Exercise Works

You will be sorting a list of values into three categories:

1️⃣ Very Important (Core Values): These are the top 5-10 values that define who you are. They guide your decisions and bring you fulfillment.
2️⃣ Somewhat Important: These values matter to you, but they aren’t as essential to your identity as your core values.
3️⃣ Not Important: These values do not strongly influence your life, or they may not resonate with you at all.

📝 How to Complete This Exercise

📌 Step 1: Download the Values List PDF (or use a deck of values cards if you have one or want to purchase one from Amazon).

📌 Step 2: Read through the list and sort each value into one of the three categories (Very Important, Somewhat Important, Not Important).

📌 Step 3: As you sort, pause and reflect on values that trigger a strong emotional response.

• If a value immediately feels right, highlight or underline it.
• If you hesitate, ask yourself why—is it truly meaningful to you, or is it something you feel you should value?

📌 Step 4: Once sorted, focus only on the “Very Important” list. Narrow it down to your top 5-10 core values—the ones that resonate most deeply with you.

• Ask yourself: Which of these values has guided my most important life choices?

📖 Reflection Questions (After Sorting Your Values)

🔹 Were you surprised by any of the values that ended up in your “Very Important” list?
🔹 Did you notice any values that you thought were important, but realized they aren’t central to your identity?
🔹 Do your core values align with how you’re currently living your life? If not, what needs to change?

📌 Step 5: Finding Your ONE Core Value

Now that you’ve identified your top 5-10 values, it’s time to narrow it down even further. This may be challenging, but it’s an essential step toward gaining clarity on what drives you at your core.

Why Is This Important?

While all of your values play a role in shaping your life, identifying your ONE defining value can serve as a North Star when making decisions, setting goals, or navigating difficult situations. When life feels overwhelming or you’re unsure of what to do next, returning to this one guiding value helps you stay aligned with your true self.

How to Find Your ONE Core Value:

• Look at your top 5-10 values and ask: If I had to remove one, which would it be?
• Repeat this process until you’re left with just 1-3 values that feel absolutely non-negotiable.
• From those final few, choose the one that is the foundation for everything else.

Need Help Choosing? Try This Question:

“If I could only live by one value for the rest of my life—if all other values had to be sacrificed—what would I choose?”

💡 Example: A Core Value in Action

Let’s say someone narrows their values down to Integrity, Success, and Growth.

After careful thought, they decide that Integrity is their single most important value.

This means that no matter what happens in life—whether they are making a career decision, navigating relationships, or setting goals—they will always prioritize integrity. Even if they have to choose between success and doing the right thing, they will choose integrity.Once you identify your one core value, it becomes your anchor, keeping you aligned even when life gets complicated.