Values Writing Prompt: How Would You Like to Be Described?

There’s been a lot of buzz about values recently. But what do we mean by the word “values,” and how can we clarify our true, most meaningful values?

In the main type of therapy I practice, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, we think of values as desired qualities of action. Ideally, we want to live a life that is in line with the values that matter most to us. Of course we don't have to be "perfect" at living our values every second of the day - but our values can guide us, give us a sense of direction and purpose.

One way to tap into your values is to think about the kind of person you want to be.

Here are a few writing prompt questions to help you think about that.
🖊️📖 How would you want to be described as a person? (Note that this isn't necessarily how people WOULD describe you, but how you would WANT them to describe you.) Make a list of descriptive words (like kind, loving, curious, etc.) that resonate for you.
🖊️📖 At the end of your life, how do you want to be remembered by the people who are important to you? Write down what you would want someone to say about you.
🖊️📖 What personal qualities do you want to bring to your relationships? Your work? Other areas of your life?
🖊️📖 How closely do you feel that you are to living these values on a daily basis recently? How might these values guide you in the future?
🖊️📖 Now make a list of the top 2 or 3 most important words. Consider keeping them somewhere you can see them - a sticky note on your mirror, calendar, or refrigerator, for example - as a reminder that can help guide your actions.

I’m a clinical psychologist, co-host of Psychologists Off the Clock, and author of the books ACT for Burnout and ACT Daily Journal. You can find me online at drdebbiesorensen.com.