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The EvalYOUation

When I work with clients on their brand foundation one of the key exercises is what I call “appointing the two VP’s of your life” 

The first VP is Vision and Purpose and the second Values and Passions. If anyone is ever stuck with where they want to be heading or really connecting with who they truly are I recommend they work on those 2nd VP’s.

Identifying and understanding your values can have a huge effect on 

Below is the Values exercise – what I call the EvalYOUation.

EvalYOUation

Purpose of the Values Exercise

Your values are the operating principles that form the base of your belief system.  You take your values with you wherever you go.  Knowing your values is crucial for making decisions in business and life because it helps you recognize whether you and a particular opportunity are a good match.  To better understand your values, take note when something occurs that bothers you and ask yourself why it makes you upset.  Chances are one of your values is being violated.

Part One:  Identify your Values

Review the list of values below and complete the following exercise:

• Step One:  As you read through the list do the following:
  • Circle the words that you feel really “fit” you
  • Draw a line through words that really don’t fit you
  • Feel free to add values that you don’t see on the list
• Step Two:  Take a few moments to look at the words you circled as a “fit” for you, and put an asterisk or star by the 10-15 that you feel most closely fit your values.
• Step Three:  From your list of 10-15 words, select the top 5 words that you feel most closely articulate your values. 
• Step Four:  Record these top 5 values in order of priority with “1” being your most important.

Part Two:   Aligning your Values

• Step One:  Align your top values.
• Step Two:  Making a commitment to “realign” one of your top values.

Identifying your Values

Accessibility	Efficiency	Optimism
Accomplishment	Elegance	Originality
Accountability	Empathy	Passion
Accuracy	Endurance	Peace
Adaptability	Enthusiasm	Perfection
Adventure	Excellence	Perseverance
Affection	Experience	Persuasiveness
Affluence	Expertise	Power
Altruism	Fairness	Precision
Ambition	Faith	Professionalism
Assertiveness	Fame	Prosperity
Balance	Family	Punctuality
Belonging	Fidelity	Realism
Bravery	Fitness	Recognition
Calmness	Flexibility	Relaxation
Celebrity	Frugality	Reliability
Challenge	Fun	Resourcefulness
Charity	Generosity	Respect
Clarity	Grace	Security
Cleverness	Gratitude	Self-control
Comfort	Growth	Sensitivity
Commitment	Harmony	Significance
Compassion	Health	Sincerity
Completion	Honesty	Speed
Conformity	Honour	Spirituality
Contentment	Humour	Spontaneity
Control	Imagination	Stability
Conviction	Impact	Strength
Cooperation	Independence	Structure
Courage	Integrity	Success
Creativity	Intelligence	Support
Curiosity	Justice	Sympathy
Dependability	Kindness	Teamwork
Determination	Knowledge	Understanding
Devotion	Leadership	Virtue
Dignity	Learning	Vision
Directness	Love	Wealth
Discipline	Loyalty	Winning
Diversity	Mindfulness	Wisdom
Education	Modesty	Zeal
		_______________
		_______________

 

Part I.  In the space below, write your 5 top values – in order of priority with “1” being your most important value:

 

1. ____________________________

2. ____________________________

3. ____________________________

4. ____________________________

5. ____________________________

 

Reflect on your personal definition of what each of these values means to you.

 

1. ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

4. ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

5. _______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Part II-A. – Value Alignment

In the space below, write your 5 top values from Part I.  Now consider how much your life is currently aligned with each value.  In the column next to each value – circle the corresponding number which bests describes how aligned that value is with your current life choices.    “1” would indicate a low alignment and a “10” would indicate very high alignment.

For example, if one of your values is “fitness” and you consistently work-out 5 days a week you might give yourself a “9”.  If one of your values is “fitness” and you rarely get a workout in more than once a week you might give yourself a “2.”

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