Self awareness
Values and Priorities Inventory
Values and Priorities Inventory
This directive is indicated for clients experiencing decision paralysis or a general lack of direction. Use it when a client’s stated goals seem to conflict with their behavior, or when they feel torn between multiple appealing options. It is designed to address the common clinical challenge of competing internal motivations that can stall progress in therapy or coaching.
The worksheet moves clients from abstract principles to concrete, observable behaviors. It employs a structured, deliberative process that forces a distinction between closely held values, resulting in a clear hierarchy of personal priorities. This method isolates a client’s primary motivator in a given context, creating a stable point of reference for subsequent goal setting and behavioral interventions.
Values and Priorities Inventory
What is important to you regarding [ a specific context, e.g., work, family ]? List at least ten of your most important values.
| Value | What this means to you | Observable Evidence (What you or others would see or hear) |
|---|---|---|
From your list above, select your top five values and write them here:
- _______________________
- _______________________
- _______________________
- _______________________
- _______________________
Compare each of your top five values against the others. In each row, circle the value that is more important for you to have fulfilled right now.
| Compare This Value… | With This Value… | Which is More Important? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2. | 1 or 2 |
| 1. | 3. | 1 or 3 |
| 1. | 4. | 1 or 4 |
| 1. | 5. | 1 or 5 |
| 2. | 3. | 2 or 3 |
| 2. | 4. | 2 or 4 |
| 2. | 5. | 2 or 5 |
| 3. | 4. | 3 or 4 |
| 3. | 5. | 3 or 5 |
| 4. | 5. | 4 or 5 |
Count the number of times you circled each value. This shows your current priority order.
Value 1 was circled ____ times. Value 2 was circled ____ times. Value 3 was circled ____ times. Value 4 was circled ____ times. Value 5 was circled ____ times.
Consider your highest priority value from the exercise above.
Highest Priority Value: _____________________________________________________
What specific actions will you take this week that demonstrate this value? _____________________________________________________
Who in your life will be most affected by these actions? _____________________________________________________
From that person’s point of view, what are the potential positive results? _____________________________________________________
From that person’s point of view, what are the potential negative results? _____________________________________________________
What adjustment can you make to your actions to reduce the negative results for others while still acting on your value? _____________________________________________________
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