The Power of Values Sorting: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, one of the most profound tools available is values sorting, a technique used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This process helps individuals identify, clarify, and align with their core values, providing a roadmap for meaningful living and personal growth.

What is Values Sorting?

Values sorting is a method for exploring and defining what truly matters to you. Unlike goals, which are specific and measurable outcomes, values are broader principles that guide your behavior and choices. They represent what you find most important in various areas of your life, such as relationships, work, health, and personal growth.

Why is Values Sorting Important?

**1. Enhances Self-Awareness: Understanding your core values provides clarity about what drives you and why. This self-awareness is crucial for making decisions that align with your authentic self.

**2. Guides Decision-Making: When you face choices or challenges, knowing your values helps you choose paths that resonate with your deepest beliefs, leading to greater satisfaction and coherence in your life.

**3. Boosts Motivation: Aligning your actions with your values creates a sense of purpose and direction, enhancing motivation and commitment to achieving your goals.

How to Practice Values Sorting

**1. Identify Values: Reflect on different aspects of your life and consider what values resonate with you. Use values lists or prompts to explore potential values.

**2. Reflect Deeply: Think about what each value means to you personally and how it manifests in your life. Ask yourself how you currently live out this value and how you might want to in the future.

**3. Prioritize Values: Rank or select the values that are most important to you. This helps clarify which values should guide your decisions and actions.

**4. Create an Action Plan: Develop specific goals and actions that align with your top values. For example, if “family” is a core value, plan to spend more quality time with loved ones.

**5. Monitor Progress: Regularly review your values and how well your actions align with them. Adjust your plans as needed to stay on track.

Conclusion

Values sorting is a powerful tool in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that helps you live a life aligned with what truly matters to you. By clarifying your values and integrating them into your daily life, you can make more meaningful decisions, enhance motivation, and cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment. Embrace values sorting to discover your true path and create a life that resonates with your core beliefs.

Jayme Hanson

Owner of Tulia Mental Health

Coach & Pre-Licensed Therapist