Values

Values are the internal cognitive structures that we use to guide our choices. What are "internal cognitive structures"? These are the way we view the world. If you perceive something to be right or wrong, how you prioritize things, and even if we see meaning or patterns within our world. Your values change how you may judge various situations and are generally a result of your upbringing. Whether we accept or reject the values of our upbringing, that upbringing still plays a part in forming your values. Values are your heart’s deepest desires for how you want yourself (and subconsciously others) to behave as a person.

Core Values

Core Values are different from values, the same way a Labrador is a dog but not all dogs are Labradors. Core values are values but not all values are core values. Core values govern how you want to behave or act on an ongoing basis. Identifying our core values helps us to live a life according to what is most important to us. You may be surprised by some of the things you think are your core values. Below are a few basic areas that core values tend to be formed around.

• Attachment/Love - creating and maintaining strong bonds with others.
• Basic Humanity - the idea that we recognize the inherent value of people
• Spirituality - connecting to something larger than yourself, not associated with any specific beliefs.
• Nature - being able to appreciate and feel connected to nature
• Creativity - creating or appreciating the creations of others
• Community - feeling connected to a group because of shared values, goals, or experiences.

Core Values are incredibly important to have identified within yourself and your life. Oftentimes, when you are dissatisfied or angry with another person, it is because of a core value violation or discrepancy.

Think of occurrences/experiences that make you feel angry or guilty, and those lead you to your values.

You will complete the attached worksheets for this assessment.