Core Values Exercise
Adapted from Taproot (http://www.taproot.com/archives/37771)
1. Determine your core values. From the list below, choose and write down every core value
that resonates with you. Do not overthink your selection. As you read through the list, simply
write down the words that feel like a core value to you personally. If you think of a value you
possess that is not on the list, write it down.
Abundance Dedication Kindness Professionalism
Acceptance Dependability Knowledge Punctuality
Accountability Diversity Leadership Relationships
Achievement Empathy Learning Reliability
Adventure Encouragement Love Resilience
Advocacy Enthusiasm Loyalty Resourcefulness
Ambition Ethics Making a Difference Responsibility
Appreciation Excellence Mindfulness Responsiveness
Attractiveness Expressiveness Motivation Security
Autonomy Fairness Optimism Self-Control
Balance Family Open-Mindedness Selflessness
Being the Best Friendships Originality Simplicity
Benevolence Flexibility Passion Stability
Boldness Freedom Performance Success
Brilliance Fun Personal Development Teamwork
Calmness Generosity Proactive Thankfulness
Caring Grace Professionalism Thoughtfulness
Challenge Growth Quality Traditionalism
Charity Flexibility Recognition Trustworthiness
Cheerfulness Happiness Risk Taking Understanding
Cleverness Health Safety Uniqueness
Community Honesty Security Usefulness
Commitment Humility Service Versatility
Compassion Humor Spirituality Vision
Cooperation Inclusiveness Stability Warmth
Collaboration Independence Peace Wealth
Consistency Individuality Perfection Well-Being
Contribution Innovation Playfulness Wisdom
Creativity Inspiration Popularity Zeal
Credibility Intelligence Power
Curiosity Intuition Preparedness
Daring Joy Proactivity
Decisiveness
Group all similar values together from the list of values you just created. Group them in a
way that makes sense to you, personally. Create a maximum of five groupings. If you have
more than five groupings, drop the least important grouping(s). See the example below.
Abundance Acceptance Appreciation Balance Cheerfulness
Growth Compassion Encouragement Health Fun
Wealth Inclusiveness Thankfulness Personal Happiness
Development
Security Intuition Thoughtfulness Spirituality Humor
Freedom Kindness Mindfulness Well-being Inspiration
Independence Love Joy
Flexibility Making a Optimism
Difference
Peace Open-Mindedness Playfulness
Trustworthiness
Relationships
Insert your lists here:
3. Choose one word within each grouping that represents the label for the entire group and
circle it. Again, do not overthink your labels – there are no right or wrong answers. You are
defining the answer that is right for you. See the example below – the label chosen for the
grouping is bolded.
Abundance Acceptance Appreciation Balance Cheerfulness
Growth Compassion Encouragement Health Fun
Wealth Inclusiveness Thankfulness Personal Happiness
Development
Security Intuition Thoughtfulness Spirituality Humor
Freedom Kindness Mindfulness Well-being Inspiration
Independence Love Joy
Flexibility Making a Optimism
Difference
Peace Open-Mindedness Playfulness
Trustworthiness
Relationships
4. Add a verb to each value so you can see what it looks like as an actionable core value, for
example:
Live in freedom.
Seek opportunities for making a difference.
Act with mindfulness.
Promote well-being.
Multiply happiness.
Write your phrases here:
Use these statements to help remind you and guide you to live more purposefully.
5. Finally, write your core values in order of priority below. Post this list somewhere they
are available as an easy reference when you are faced with decisions. For example:
1. Live in freedom.
2. Act with mindfulness.
3. Promote well-being.
4. Multiply happiness.
5. Seek opportunities for making a difference.
Write your ordered list here:
