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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 |
_______________ |
||
_______________ |
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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.”
Top 5 Values | Current life alignment with Value1=low alignment 10=high alignment |
1. | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
2. | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
3. | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
4. | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
5. | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
Part II – B. Value Realignment
Choose one of the values above (perhaps that with the lowest score) and make a commitment to yourself on how you can bring that value back into alignment as a priority in your life in the next 3 months.
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