This week on the podcast, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorite ACT topics: values. I may or may not be overly excited in this episode, but that’s only because I truly believe values are one of the most powerful tools we have. They can act like a compass when life feels messy, guiding us through tough decisions and helping us reconnect with what really matters. 🧭
As promised, here’s the long but super useful list of values originally compiled by ACT trainer and author Russ Harris (2010). Feel free to use it to reflect, explore, or just get curious:
- Acceptance – To be open to and accepting of myself, others, life, etc.
- Adventure – To actively seek, create, or explore novel or stimulating experiences.
- Assertiveness – To respectfully stand up for my rights and request what I want.
- Authenticity – To be genuine, real, and true to myself.
- Beauty – To appreciate, create, nurture, or cultivate beauty in myself, others, or the environment.
- Caring – To be caring toward myself, others, and the environment.
- Challenge – To keep challenging myself to grow, learn, and improve.
- Compassion – To act with kindness toward those who are suffering.
- Connection – To engage fully in what I am doing and be present with others.
- Contribution – To help, assist, or make a positive difference to myself or others.
- Conformity – To respect and obey rules and obligations.
- Cooperation – To be collaborative and work well with others.
- Courage – To persist through fear, threat, or difficulty.
- Creativity – To be innovative or express myself through creating.
- Curiosity – To be open-minded, interested, and explore new things.
- Encouragement – To support and reward behaviour I value in myself or others.
- Equality – To treat others as equals to myself and expect the same in return.
- Excitement – To engage in thrilling, stimulating, or novel activities.
- Fairness – To treat myself and others justly and equally.
- Fitness – To care for and improve my physical and mental well-being.
- Flexibility – To adapt easily to new situations and challenges.
- Freedom – To live and choose how I behave freely, or help others do so.
- Friendliness – To be agreeable and companionable with others.
- Forgiveness – To let go of resentment toward myself or others.
- Fun – To engage in activities that are joyful or entertaining.
- Generosity – To be giving and sharing with myself or others.
- Gratitude – To appreciate the positives in myself, others, and life.
- Honesty – To be truthful and sincere with myself and others.
- Humour – To see and appreciate the lighter side of life.
- Humility – To be modest and let my actions speak for themselves.
- Industry – To work hard and stay dedicated.
- Independence – To support myself and follow my own path.
- Intimacy – To share myself emotionally or physically in close relationships.
- Justice – To promote fairness and equality.
- Kindness – To be caring, considerate, and nurturing.
- Love – To express affection and deep care for myself or others.
- Mindfulness – To be open, curious, and present in the here and now.
- Order – To be organized and maintain structure.
- Open-mindedness – To consider different perspectives fairly.
- Patience – To wait calmly and without frustration.
- Persistence – To continue despite difficulty or resistance.
- Pleasure – To enjoy or create pleasurable experiences.
- Power – To influence or lead others responsibly.
- Reciprocity – To maintain fair give-and-take in relationships.
- Respect – To show consideration and regard for myself and others.
- Responsibility – To be accountable for my actions and decisions.
- Romance – To express or experience deep affection or love.
- Safety – To protect and secure myself and others.
- Self-awareness – To know and reflect on my inner thoughts and feelings.
- Self-care – To look after my health and meet my needs.
- Self-development – To grow and improve in knowledge, skills, or character.
- Self-control – To act in alignment with my values and ideals.
- Sensuality – To enjoy and explore sensory experiences.
- Sexuality – To express or explore my sexual identity.
- Spirituality – To connect with something greater than myself.
- Skilfulness – To practice and improve my abilities.
- Supportiveness – To be helpful and available to others or myself.
- Trust – To be loyal, reliable, and sincere.
The list is not exhaustive, and there’s always room for more unique or original values that you yourself might come up with!
Next week, we’ll continue our journey through the ACT hexaflex by talking about committed action, which is another important and practical concept I can’t wait to share with you. See you then! 🟠
