Posted on January 7, 2009 by Christina

What are your values? This can be a difficult question to answer without a clear definition of values. Simply put, values are desirable ways in which to behave.

Values are important because when your values are being honored, you are happy. When your values are being ignored or squashed, you are unhappy.

One of the easiest ways to identify your values is to look at the groups and organizations that you belong to or aspire to associate with. Let’s take a closer look at the values of some organizations to help your partner identify their own values.

Step 1:
Ask your partner “What three groups or organizations do you love and why?“

Make a note of their answers. (note, you don’t need to be a member of the organization).

Examples:
•    A political party
•    The New York Symphony
•    The Chicago Bulls
•    A reading club
•    Your local grocery store

Step 2:
Ask your partner “Considering the groups and organizations in your life that you are drawn to, what are your top 2 to 5 values?”

If you need help putting your partner’s values into words, check out Steve Pavlina’s sample list of values.

Please note that values will change over time, so consider this exercise as a starting point.

Happy Value Hunting,

Christina