Your Values Profile

Understanding Your Results

High Priority
#1

FinancialProsperity

#2

Over-Attention
Interdependence

Under-Attention

Medium/Low Priority

Humility

ConcernforOthers

Achievement

Health&Activity

Privacy

#3

Independence

Belonging

Spirituality

#4

Responsibility

ConcernforEnvironment

#5

ObjectiveAnalysis

Creativity

High Priority

These values are important to me AND I frequently act on them.

Thesevaluesareanintegralpartofyourlifebecausetheyareimportantandyouaremakingsuretheyarebeingexpressed.Thewayyouacton
themisgenerallyasourceofsatisfactioninyourlife,unlessyouhavetoomanyvaluesinthiscategory.Ifthisisthecase,youmayneedtowork
onprioritizingyourvaluesbecausemanylifestylesdonotpermitpeopletosatisfylargenumbersofvalues.Becausetheimportanceandactions
ofthesevaluesarealigned,itusuallyreflectsacombinationofgoodlifemanagementonyourpartbecauseyouaremakingtimetoexpress
thesevalues,andtheenvironmentisprovidingopportunitiesforyoutoexpressthem.
Asyoulookforward,clarifychangesthatmaybeonthehorizonandhowtheymayimpactthesevalues.Thesemayincludechangesinyour
environmentaswellasinternalchangesthatmaybeshiftingwhatisimportanttoyou.Thesevaluesarealsovulnerabletodriftingintoaneed
wheretheybecometoointenseandyouexperiencemorestressthansatisfaction.ItisimportanttopayattentiontothesectiononOptimizing
ValuesExpressionforeffectivemanagementoftheseimportantvalues.

YOU RANKED THIS #1

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FINANCIAL PROSPERITY (12)

It is important to be financially successful.

Having financial success

Making money

Being wealthy

Peoplewhoholdthisvaluemayperceivethemselvestobeambitious,capable,intelligent,andlogical.Theystrive
toaccumulatewealthandliveacomfortablelife.Thisvaluecancomplementorfacilitatetheattainmentofother
importantvalues,suchasIndependence.StressoccursforpeoplewhoholdFinancialProsperityasahighly
prioritizedvaluewhentheyareunabletoaccumulatewealthataratethattheydeemappropriate,orwheneverthey
experiencelossofwealth.Stresscanbefeltwhenthereisperceivedinequityintheamountoffinancialreturnone
receivesfortheamountofenergyexpended.
FinancialProsperitydoesnotnecessarilyconflictwithothervaluesunlessitisoveremphasized.Over-attentionto
thisvaluemayresultinplacingtoomuchimportanceonmaterialthingsatthesacrificeofrelationships,aswellas
spiritual,emotional,andphysicalwell-being.

YOU RANKED THIS #2

ACHIEVEMENT (11)
It is important to challenge myself and to work hard to improve.

Challenging myself to achieve

Improving my performance

Working hard to do better

Peoplewhoholdthisvaluemayviewthemselvesasambitiousandcapable,andtheymayenjoyactivitiesthat
requiretakingrisks.Thisvaluecanserveasasourceofmotivationtoimproveanddoyourbest.Satisfactionofthis
valuemaycomeinmanywaysincludingtheaccumulationofknowledge,helpingothers,performingphysicalfeats,
settingchallengingpersonalgoalsandworkingtoachievethem,workingtoimproveperformance,puttingforth
extraefforttoaccomplishagoal,andthroughsuccessinbusiness.
PeoplewhovalueAchievementexperiencestresswhentheyareunabletoactontheirachievement-orientedgoals,
whentheyfeelunchallenged,orwhentheybecometoofocusedonresultsoroutcomeatthesacrificeof
satisfactionabouttheirperformanceoreffort.BelongingmayconflictwithAchievementwhenacceptancebyapeer
groupisdependentuponmaintainingrelativelylowlevelsofperformance.Conflictmayoccurbetweenpersons
whohaveahighlyprioritizedAchievementvalueandpeoplewhoacttolimittheiraccomplishmentsordonotshare
theirAchievementvalue.Conflictcanalsooccurwhenthedemandsofoneormoreotherrolesprecludethepursuit
ofcherished,achievement-orientedgoals.

YOU RANKED THIS #3

INDEPENDENCE (11)
It is important to have a sense of autonomy with my decisions and actions.

Being independent

Giving my opinion

Having control over my time

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Peoplewiththisvaluestriveforpersonalfreedomandautonomousactionofspeechandmovement.Theymay
perceivethemselvestobeambitious,capable,pleasureseeking,andmayliketoberegardedbyothersas
independent.PeoplewhovalueIndependencemayaccepttemporarypositionsofrestrictedautonomybutitwillbe
importantforthemtoseeaclearfutureopportunityforincreasedautonomy.Itisalsoimportanttofeelasenseof
equityinthattheyarereceivingafairrewardforwhattheyarecontributing.Stressoccursforpeopleholdingthis
valuewhentheiractionsarelimitedinsomefashion.Whenthisvalueisoveremphasized,otherpeopleare
disregardedinthedecision-makingprocessand/ortheindividualoverreactsemotionallytoattempts,realor
imagined,atrestrictingtheiractivities.
IndependencemayconflictwithInterdependenceandBelongingbecausebothofthesevaluesrequirefairlyhigh
degreesofconformityforsatisfaction.ConflictmayoccurwhenpeoplewhovalueIndependenceareinvolvedwith
peoplewhostronglyvalueBelongingand/orInterdependence.

YOU RANKED THIS #4

RESPONSIBILITY (12)
It is important to be dependable and trustworthy.

Being reliable

Being trustworthy

Meeting my obligations

Peoplewhoholdthisvaluemayperceivethemselvesasbeingresponsible,honest,helpful,logical,self-controlled,
andtrustworthy.Theyareviewedbyothersasreliableandareseenasthedependablepersonforimportanttasks.
Beingresponsibleisveryfulfillingifthereisalsoperceivedequityandfairnessintheircommitmentoftimeand
energy.Longperiodsofperceivedinequityorunfairnesscanresultinburnout.Accountabilityisimportantandcan
resultinholdingotherstohighstandards.Excusesfromotherscanbefrustrating.Becausebeingtrustworthyis
important,trustiscriticalandbrokentrustcanbefeltdeeply.
StressoccurswhenpeoplewhovalueResponsibilitybecometooother-orientedatthesacrificeofself-careand
maintenance(responsibilitytooneself).Stressisalsoexperiencedwhenroleoverloadoccurstothepointthatit
precludesorreducestheopportunitytoactinadependablefashion.ApersonwhoprizesbothCreativityand
Responsibilitymayhaveaconflictbetweenthedesiretoinnovateandthemotivetobereliable.

YOU RANKED THIS #5

OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS (12)

It is important to use logical principles to understand and solve problems.

Relying on objective facts

Relying on logic to solve problems

Being analytical

Peoplewhoholdthisvaluemayperceivethemselvestobelogical,intelligent,analytical,critical,curious,and
precise.Theymayperceivethemselvestohaveanalyticabilityandengageinscientificoranalyticalactivities.They
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mayenjoylearningaboutscienceortechnology,workingwithcomputersorothertechnicalequipment,orsimply
talkingaboutscienceortechnology.Stressoccursforthesepeoplewhentheyhavetofunctioninnon-orderly,nonanalyticalways.ObjectiveAnalysistypicallydoesnotconflictwithothervalues.However,stressmayoccurifa
personwhoprizesObjectiveAnalysisisforcedintorolesthatrequireleadershipandpersuasiveactivities.

Over-Attention

I am focusing on these values more than I would prefer.

Whydoweactonvaluesmorefrequentlythanweprefer?
1Itmaybethattheenvironmentisdemandingustoactonthesevalues.Attimes,thisincongruenceisacceptableandwecanmanagethe
stresswell.Butongoingperiodsofactingonvaluesthatarelessimportantcancausestrainandleadtoburnoutorillness.Lookforopportunities
thatmayallowyoutoadjustyouractionstoactlessonthesevalues.ThearticleonStress&EmotionalManagementinStep5maybehelpfulin
managingsituationswheretheenvironmentisforcingthistypeofbehavior.
2Thesevaluesmayhavebeenofhighimportanceinthepastbutarestartingtoshiftforyou.Theymaybeshiftingtowardlessimportancein
yourlifebutyouractionsarestilloncruisecontrol.Byfocusingyourattentiononothervaluesthataregrowinginimportancecanhelpalignthe
valuesinthiscategorywithafrequencyofexpressionthatismorecongruentwithimportance.Thetimingofthesechangesisanimportant
considerationandevenifyourenvironmentdoesntcurrentlyallowformuchchange,developingaplanforthefuturecanbeahelpfulwaytocope
withcurrentstress.
3Theremaybeavalueinthiscategorythathasbeentooimportantandhasfelttoointense,causingmorestressthanfulfillment.Atsome
level,weknowthatwereactingonthisvaluetoomuch.Butitsemotionallydifficulttobackoff.Thisisanexampleofwhenavaluehasshifted
towardaneedstateandisoutofperspective.Thereasonitcausessomuchstressisthatweareover-expressingthisvalueatthecostofunderattendingtootherimportantvalues.Bycourageouslyfocusingonexpressingothervaluesandinternallychallengingthemyththatonevalue
sufficientlydefinesyoucanhelpputthisvalueinabetterperspective.Thisisadifficultshiftbecausethereareusuallypowerfullifeexperiences
thathaveshapedthisvalueintoaneed.Conscientiousattentiontoamorebalancedexpressionofvaluesandadditionalsupportmayfostera
healthierperspective.

INTERDEPENDENCE (8)
It is important to follow the expectations of my family, social group, team or organization.

Accepting my place in my family or group

Respecting the traditions of my family or group

Making decisions with my family or group in mind

Familyorgroupsecurityisimportanttopeoplewhoholdthisvalue.Theyarelikelytoperceivethemselvestobe
helpful,honest,loving,loyal,obedient,polite,andself-controlled.Behavioralexpressionsofthisvalueinclude
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concernforfamilyorworkgroup,puttingtheneedsofthefamilyorgroupfirst,andadherencetofamilyorgroup
traditions.Stressoccurswhenpeoplewhoholdthisvaluebecometotallyboundbytraditionandareunableto
adapttochangesthatoccur.
InterdependencemayconflictwithIndependence.Interdependencerequiresconformitytotheexpectationsof
otherswhileIndependencedictatesthatoneactonhisorhervolition.PeoplewhovaluebothInterdependenceand
Independencemaystronglyconsidertheopinionsofothersbutchoosetodowhattheyfeelisrightforthemselves
inthelongrun.

Under-Attention

I am not focusing on these values as much as I would prefer.

Valuesinthiscategoryoftenelicitfeelingsofguiltandfrustration.Commonself-statementscaninclude,IfIonlyhadmoretime.Ifonlyother
thingswouldntgetintheway,IfonlyIhadmorewillpower,etc.Thesevaluesoftenreflectpersonalgoalsthatwebelievewouldimproveourlife
butareverydifficulttoestablishaconsistentrhythmofbehaviororcanoftenconflictwithothervaluesorliferoles.Theymayalsoreflectvalues
thataregrowinginimportancebutyouhaventdevelopedahabitofconsistentlyactingonthemyet.Nomatterthereason,thiscategoryreflects
valuesthathavesomekindofchallengeassociatedwiththem.Thechallengescanbeexternalintermsofconflictingactivitiesorlimitedtimefor
expressionortheymaybeinternalobstaclessuchasfearorguilt.
Forvaluesinthiscategory,itisrecommendedtochipawayatcreatingmoretimetoexpressthesevalues.Thisprocesswillclarifyhowmuch
thesevaluesreflectpreferencesorsomethingimportantenoughtofightfor.Weallhavepreferencesthatareaboutbeingmoreskilledat
somethingorbeingmorefitorwishingtospendmoretimewithcertainpeople...butatwhatcost?Valuesinthiscategoryusuallyrepresent
somekindofpersonalcostand,therefore,dontgetexpressedasmuchasyouwouldwant.
Itishelpfultoreflectfromtimetotimeonthesevaluesandaskyourselfiftheyareelevatingtoalevelofimportancethatyouarewillingtodevote
theenergytomanagethecostsassociatedwiththeirexpression.Iftheanswerisnotyet,thencompassionatelyshelvethemaspreferences
fornowinthefaiththatyouwillreturntothematsomepoint.Iftheanswerisyes,thendevelopaplanofexpressionthatwillincreasethisvalue,a
planofreadinesstoprepareyouforthechallengesassociatedwithexpressingthisvaluewhilereducingexpressionofotherstomakeroomfor
thisone,andaplanofsupportsothatotherscanhelpyouthroughthistransition.Itisimportanttohonorthedifficultyofthisworkandincorporate
timesofcelebrationandrestoration.ThearticlesinStep5onOptimalSelf-Leadership,StressandEmotionalManagement,andManaging
LifeTransitionsmaybehelpfulwiththisprocess.

HUMILITY (10)
It is important to be humble and modest about my accomplishments.

Downplaying compliments or praise

Being quiet about my successes

Avoiding credit for my accomplishments

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Peoplewhoholdthisvaluearemodestandmaybeself-effacing.Theytendtobeuncomfortablewhentheir
accomplishmentsarehighlightedandmayattempttopointtotheaccomplishmentofotherstodeflectattentionfrom
themselves.Also,theyarelikelytobeobedient,polite,loyal,andself-controlled.
HumilitymayconflictwithAchievement,particularlyiftheresultisindividualachievementthatdrawsattentiontothe
person.StressislikelyifthepersonwhoholdsahighlyprioritizedHumilityvalueisplacedinapositionofhavingto
promoteherorhisaccomplishments

HEALTH & ACTIVITY (8)

It is important to be healthy and physically active.

Taking care of my body

Being in good physical shape

Being athletic

Peoplewhoholdthisvaluetendtolikeclean,healthyenvironments,enjoyexcitingactivities,andarecommittedto
theirhealthandwell-being.Theymayseethisvalueasapowerfulwaytomanagethestressintheirlives.Overattentiontothisvaluecanresultinbeingoverlycriticaloftheirappearanceorleveloffitness,andcanresultinan
unhealthyformofcopingifnotmanagedappropriately.Stressmaybefeltwhenthedemandsofothersrestrictthe
timedevotedtobeingphysicallyactive.StressmayalsobeexperiencedwhenpeoplewhovalueHealth&Activity
seeothersengageinunhealthyactivities.HealthandActivitycanfacilitatetheattainmentofothervaluesanddoes
notnecessarilyconflictwithothervaluesunlessitisoveremphasized.

BELONGING (7)
It is important to be accepted by others and to feel included.

Being liked by others

Being accepted by others

Feeling as though I belong

Connectednessandinclusioninworkandsocialgroupsarevalued.Inclusioncanbethebasisforpositiveselfevaluation,andacceptancemaybesoughtinavarietyofwaysincludingbeinghelpful,polite,and/orloyal.
Stresscanresultwhenothervaluesarecompromisedforthesakeofharmonyorhavingotherslikeyou.Being
assertiveordealingwithconfrontationcanalsobeasourceofstress.Transitionstonewenvironmentscanbehard
untilasenseofbelongingisfelt.Independence,PrivacyandAchievementmayconflictwithBelongingtothe
degreetheyinterferewithfeelingconnectedtoothers.Conflictmayoccurifthereislittleacceptanceorrecognition
givenwithinarole.Conflictmayalsooccurifotherrolesinterferewiththetimenecessarytodevelopmeaningful
relationships.

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CONCERN FOR ENVIRONMENT (7)

It is important to protect and preserve the environment.

Protecting the environment

Preserving nature

Appreciating the beauty of nature

Protectingthenaturalbeautyoftheenvironmentisofutmostimportantforpeoplewhohighlyprioritizethisvalue.
Theymayalsoholdotheraltruisticbeliefssuchasequalityandworldpeace.Peoplewhoholdthisvaluetypically
actonitbyengagingingoodenvironmentalpractices,readingabouttheenvironment,andengaginginactivities
suchasfundraisersfororganizationsthatadvocateforenvironmentalimprovement.
Peopleholdingthisvalueexperiencestresswhentheyperceivethatthenaturalbeautyoftheenvironmentisbeing
permanentlydamaged,andwhentheyarenotadvancingtheirgoalofimprovingtheenvironment.Conflictislikely
betweenpeopleholdingthisvalueandpeoplewhoareeitherapatheticabouttheenvironmentorwhodeliberately
engageinactsthatharmordetractfromthenaturalbeautyoftheenvironment.Conflictmayalsooccurifpeople
whohavedeep-seatedconcernsabouttheenvironmentbecomeengagedinroles(e.g.workorleisure)that
precludeorrestrictthemfromactingonthisvalue.

CREATIVITY (6)
It is important to have new ideas, create new things or be creatively expressive.

Coming up with new ideas

Being creative

Discovering new things or ideas

Peoplewhoholdthisvaluearelikelytoperceivethemselvesasimaginative,intelligent,expressive,capable,and
broad-minded.Theyarealsolikelytobeconcernedaboutbeautyintheworld,althoughthismaynotberestricted
tonature.
Creativitycancomplementmanyothervaluessinceitfacilitateslookingatthingsinnewanddifferentways.Stress
canoccurwhenCreativityisoveremphasizedattheexpenseoforderlinessthatmaybenecessaryfortheproper
managementoftheirlivesandrelationships.Theyarelikelytoexperiencestresswhentheirabilitytousetheir
imaginationtosolveproblemsisrestricted(e.g.iftheyworkinaroutine,repetitivejob).
ConflictmayoccurwhenpeoplehaveahighlyprioritizedCreativityvalueaswellasahighlyprioritized
Responsibilityvalue.Dependability,whichisthehallmarkofapersonwithaResponsibilityvalue,maymeanbeing
orderlyandpredictable,responsesthatmaynotbehighlycompatiblewithcreativeexpression.Conflictisalsolikely
toresultifthepersonwhoprizesCreativityisexpectedbyotherstofollowaroutine.

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Medium/Low Priority

These values are of medium to low importance and I act on them

occasionally.
Generallyspeaking,thesevaluesarenotasourceofstressforyoubecausetheoccasionalexpressioniscongruentwiththemediumtolowlevel
ofimportancetheyhavetoyou.Maintainingthesamelevelofexpressionisrecommendedforthevaluesinthiscategory,sobecautiousof
opportunitiesthatmayleadtoincreasedexpression.However,duringlifetransitionsitmaybehelpfultoreflectonthesevaluestoseeiftheyare
shiftinginimportancetoyou.Itisalsorecommendedtounderstandhowyourviewofthesevaluescomparestopeoplearoundyou.Itmaybe
stressfultofeelaloneifothersgivehighimportancetothesevalues.Gainingasenseofempathyforthosewhodeemthesevaluesasimportant
andcommunicatingtothemwhyothervaluesareimportanttoyoucanallowfordiversitytobenefitrelationshipsandgroups.

CONCERN FOR OTHERS (12)

The well being of others and helping others are important.

Being sensitive to others' needs

Helping others

Being concerned about the rights of others

Peoplewhoholdthisvaluearelikelytobelieveinequality,seethemselvesashelpful,honest,friendly,and
forgiving,maystriveforinnertranquilityandworldpeace,andmayhavelittleconcernfortheaccumulationof
wealth.However,somepeoplewhoholdthisvaluealsovalueFinancialProsperity.Rolesinwhichtheycanheal,
teach,help,mentor,orotherwiseadvancethewelfareofothersarethemostsatisfyingtopeopleholdingthisvalue.
Thisvaluecanfacilitatepersonalandprofessionalrelationshipsbecauseofsensitivitytoothers.However,agreat
dealofinterpersonalfrustrationmayoccurwithotherswhoactinanuncaringorselfishmanner.Thisvaluecanbe
asourceofstressifonefeelsunabletohelpothersorifhelpisrejected.Over-attentiontothisvaluecanresultin
burnout,feelingoverlyresponsiblefortheproblemsofothers,andalossofequityinrelationships.
ConcernforOthersmaybecomplementarywithBelonging,butmayconflictwithIndependenceifoveremphasized.
Similarly,peoplewithhighlyprioritizedPrivacyandConcernforOthersvaluesmayexperienceconflictbecauseone
valuepullsthemtowardsolitaryactivitieswhiletheotherpushesthemtowardinteractionwithpeople.Conflictmay
occurifindividualswhohaveahighlyprioritizedConcernforOthersvaluefindthemselvesinroleswithpeoplewho
placematerialrewards(FinancialProsperity)aheadofthewelfareofpeople.

PRIVACY (12)
It is important to have time alone.

Having time to myself

Having quiet time to think

Having a private place to go

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Peoplewhoholdthisvalueseekpersonalfreedom.Behavioralmanifestationsofthisvalueincludereading,taking
longdrivesorwalks,listeningtomusic,andothersolitaryactivities.Peoplewhoholdthisvaluearenotlikelytosee
themselvesasentrepreneurial.StressoccursforpeoplewhovaluePrivacywhentheyareforced,becauseofrole
demands,tospendextensiveamountsoftimewithpeopleattheexpenseoftimealone.Privacyiscompatiblewith
IndependencebutmayconflictwithInterdependence.

SPIRITUALITY (8)
It is important to have spiritual beliefs that reflect being a part of something greater than myself.

Believing in a higher power

Believing that there is something greater than ourselves

Living in harmony with my spiritual beliefs

Peoplewhoholdthisbeliefseekinnerharmonyandsalvation,maydreamofaworldofpeaceandbeauty,are
honest,andareobedienttotheirspiritualbeliefs.Behavioralmanifestationsofthisvaluearereligiousactivities
suchasgoingtochurch,synagogue,temple,ormosque,worshippingormeditating,andvoicingbeliefs.Some
peoplewhodonotsubscribetoanyofthemajorreligionsoftheworldmayalsohaveahighlyprioritizedSpirituality
value.Thesepeoplemayfeelthattheyareconnectedtonatureorthecosmosinspiritualwaysandmayworship
throughmeditation,trekstoplaceswithnaturalbeauty,orbydevelopingconnectionswithotherhumanbeings.
Spiritualitydoesnotnecessarilyconflictwithothervalues.Conflictwithothersislikelyiftheirspiritualbeliefsare
devaluedorifactionscontrarytothosebeliefsoccur.Conflictmayalsooccurifthedemandsofotherliferoles
interferewithactingontheSpiritualityvalue.

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Your Values Profile

Values & Life Roles

Work/Academics
ConcernforOthers(12)
FinancialProsperity(12)
ObjectiveAnalysis(12)
Responsibility(12)
Achievement(11)
Independence(11)
Humility(10)
Interdependence(8)
Belonging(7)
Creativity(6)

Relationships
ConcernforOthers(12)
FinancialProsperity(12)
Responsibility(12)
Independence(11)
Humility(10)
Health&Activity(8)
Interdependence(8)
Belonging(7)

Leisure/CommunityActivities
Privacy(12)
Responsibility(12)
Independence(11)
Health&Activity(8)
Interdependence(8)
Belonging(7)
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ConcernforEnvironment(7)
Creativity(6)

Other

LimitedorNoExpression

Spirituality(8)

We express our values through our life roles . Since it is rare that one
life role satisfies all of our values, we often devote time and energy
to several roles. From your results, reflect on the following:

1 Identify the values that show up

in more than one role.

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2 Identify the values that are

expressed in only one role.

3 Identify any values you want to

act on more frequently.

Forexample,itmaybeimportantto

Forinstance,yourleisurerolemaybethe

Whatrole(s)willbethebestformof

expressBelonginginyourwork,leisure

onlytimeyouexpressyourHealth&

expressionofthatvalue?Howwillan

andrelationshipsroles.Theseusually

Activityvalue.Itisessentialthatyouallow

increaseintimetowardthatvalueaffect

reflectvaluesthatarecentraltoyour

enoughtimeforthatrolesinceitisthe

yourtimeandenergyinotherroles?

identityandrequiremultipleformsof

onlytimethatvaluecanbeexpressed.

expressioninordertobefulfilled.

Use these results to gain a better understanding of how stress is manifested in your life.

Therearetwoformsofrole-relatedstress,inter-rolestressandintra-rolestress.Inter-rolestressisthestressyoufeelbetweenroleswhenthe
timeandenergyyouspendinoneroleisinterferingwiththetimeyoucandevotetootherimportantroleswhereothervaluesareexpressed.Intrarolestressisthestressyoufeelwithinarolewhenthevaluesyouwantfulfilledinacertainrolearenotbeingrewarded.Thestrategies
discussedinthesupplementon"Stress&EmotionalManagement"inStep5canhelpyoumanagetheseformsofstress.

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Your Values Profile

Strategies for Optimal Expression of Values
Howyouexpressandactonyourvaluesisasimportantasunderstandingthem.Providedbeloware5
Howyouexpressandactonyourvaluesisasimportantasunderstandingthem.Providedbeloware5
strategiesforoptimalvaluesexpression.Theyaredesignedtohelpyourvaluesserveasanauthentic
strategiesforoptimalvaluesexpression.Theyaredesignedtohelpyourvaluesserveasanauthentic
sourceofmotivationandfulfillment.

Integrity Action Steps

STRATEGY 1

Oneofthecornerstonesofhealthyself-esteemisintegrity,behavingcongruentlywiththevaluesthatareimportanttoyou.
Peoplewithhighself-esteemroutinelymonitorhowwelltheirbehavioralignswithwhat'simportanttothemanddevelop
actionstepstobringbehaviorandvaluesclosertogether.InSteps1-3,youclarifiedyourcurrentvaluesandmade
adjustmentsforthenearfuture.Nowyouneedtodevelopspecificactionstepsorgoalsfortheseadjustments.Keepthem
realisticandtotallywithinyourcontrol.
Whatspecificactionswouldprovethatyouarebehavingaccordingtoyourvalues?Forexample,ifyoudecidedyou
wantedtoincreasetimeandenergyinyourSpiritualityvalue,youmaychoosetocommitaspecificamountoftimeeach
dayformeditation,prayer,reflectionoranaturewalk.Yourvalues-basedgoalsshouldbelessaboutoutcomes,whichyou
can'tcontrol,andmoreaboutactionsthatyoucancompletelycontrol.
Youshouldhaveonlyafewactionsteps.Besensitivetowhenyoufeelthatyouractionstepsareexceedingyouravailable
timeandenergy,orwhatyourenvironmentwillallow.Assumeyouarealready100percentcommitted,soifyouaregoing
todevotemoreenergytoonevalue,youmustreducetimeandenergyforanothervalue.
Clarifyingandtryingtofollowtheseactionstepsincreasesoursenseofintegrityand,inturn,increasesoursenseofselfesteemandresilience.

Balanced Expression of Values

STRATEGY 2

BalanceWITHINValues.Tofeelasenseoffulfillment,youmustdevotetimeandenergytoimportantvalues-uptoa
point.Yourvaluesarelikeadouble-edgedsword.Theyareaprimarydeterminantoflifesatisfaction,buttheyarealsoa
majorsourceofstress.Ifyouover-expressavalue,youwillfeelthecostorstressassociatedwithitbecauseitisbecoming
apsychologicalneed-a"haveto,"orperhapsacompulsion-attheexpenseofotherimportantvalues.
Oneofthemostimportantfactorsinfosteringsuccess(asdefinedbyfulfillment,productivity,andresilience)istocommitto
abalancedexpressionofeachvalue.Inthefirstsectionofthisreport,youfamiliarizedyourselfwiththedescriptionofeach
valueandlearnedhowyourvaluescancausebothfulfillmentandstress.Usethisinformationtolearnwhenexpressing
yourimportantvaluesmovesyoufromfulfillmenttostress.Acommitmenttobalancedexpressionofyourvaluesresultsin
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morefulfillment.
ManagingtheInteractionBETWEENValues.Reviewtheprimaryvaluesthatfrequentlyguideyourbehavior.Youwill
noticethatsomeofthosevaluesarecomplementary-theexpressionofonehelpstheexpressionofanother.Weusually
experiencethisinteractionaseitheramplifiedfulfillmentorsynergybecauseoneactioncanfulfillmorethanonevalue.For
example,thesensitivesupportyoumayprovideafriendinneedcanfulfillbothConcernforOthersandBelonging.
However,youmaynoticethatthereareconflictingvaluesamongyourtopvalues,suchasIndependenceandBelonging,
orIndependenceandInterdependence.Youwillfeelthisconflictintheformofstressortension.Decisionmakingcanbe
stressfulwhenoneopportunityfulfillsonevaluewhileanotheropportunityfulfillstheconflictingvalue.Whenyoumakea
decisionthatfulfillsonevaluebutconflictswithanother,you'llfeelacertainambivalenceorperceived"wrongness"
associatedwithsacrificinganimportantvalue.Notacceptingormanagingthisambivalencecanleadtochronicindecision.
Toeffectivelymanageconflictingvalues,youmustrespectwhythesevaluesareimportanttoyouandstrivetoexpress
theminamannerthatcorrespondswiththeirrankings.Yourdecisionsandactionsshouldreflectbalancedexpression
insteadofanall-or-nothingapproach.Thisbalanceisanalogoustoseeingtimeandenergyasweightsthatyoucarefully
addtobothsidesofascaletokeeptheminbalance,asopposedtoaseesawapproach,inwhichyoualternatebetween
completeexpressionofonevalueatthesacrificeoftheother.Forexample,ifBelongingandIndependencearetwo
importantvalues,findseparateactivitiesthatwillcurrentlyfulfillbothvalues.Don'tdevoteexcessivetimetoBelongingat
thesacrificeofIndependence,thenshiftwhenyoufeeltheurgentneedtocompletelyreversetheexpression.Balanced
expressionhelpsyougainanappreciationandemotionaltoleranceforthehealthytensionthatexistsbetweenyour
conflictingvalues,ratherthanperceivingthistensionasaproblem.Thiscannotbedonepassively,butwithactive
management,youcanbecomeveryskilledatmaintainingafulfillingbalancebetweenconflictingvalues.

Effective Decision Making

STRATEGY 3

Tomakethebestdecisions,committogivingyourselfa24-hourpausebeforeyousay"yes"toanyopportunity.When
opportunitiesarisethattouchourvalues,wearevulnerabletosaying"yes"toallofthemwithoutmuchregardforour
currenttimecommitments.Wealsotendtounderestimatetheadditionaltimerequiredfornewopportunities.
Asopportunitiespresentthemselves,taketimetoreflectonwhetheryourdecisionismorealignedwithyouradjusted
valuesrankingsoryourcurrentrankings.Trytotakeadvantageofopportunitiesthatcomeyourwaytoshiftyourbehavior
tobemorecongruentwithyouradjustedrankings.
Considerthebalancewithinandbetweenyourvalues.Willtakingonthisnewopportunitycauseyoutolosebalancewithin
avalueandresultinover-expressionofonevalueattheexpenseofotherimportantvalues?Willyoulosebalance
betweenconflictingvalues?
Committoopportunitiesthatarecongruentwithyourmostimportantvaluesbutalsocommittomanagingthemwitha
realisticappraisalofyouravailabletimeandenergy.Thebasisforgooddecisionmakingisvaluescongruencyandenergy
management,notwhetheryourdecisionresultedinagoodoutcome.Ifagoodoutcomeresultsfromyourvalues-based
decisions,it'stobeappreciated,butnottobeusedasthecriterionforevaluatingyourdecision.
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A Simple Daily Plan for Expressing Values

STRATEGY 4

Thefollowingisafive-stepprocessthatincorporateswhatyouhavelearnedaboutyourvaluesintoadailyplan.Please
refertothesupplement"OptimalSelf-Leadership"foradescriptionastowhythisplanishelpful.
Step1:Values.Atthebeginningofeachday,askyourself,"Whatisthemostrightwayformetodevotemytimeand
energytoday?"Theword"right"isintendedtotapintothevaluesyouhaveclarified,butinthecontextofaday.The
answerononedaymaybeaboutbalance,doingsomethinginallthethingsthatareimportanttoyou.Onedayitmaybe
moresingularandfocusedonanimportantproject.Onanotherdayitmaybeaboutrest.Whateveritis,usetheconceptof
"rightness"totapintoyourvalues.Thisprocessdoesn'thavetobelongandstructured.Itcanbeshortandintuitive,while
youaregettingreadyforyourday.
Step2:Acceptanceand"Can."Usually,youwillreacttotheanswerfromStep1withuncertaintyastowhetheryoucan
getitalldone.Ifyoufeelatwingeofdoubt,you'reprobablyright.Reducetheactivitiesuntilyoufeelasenseofconfidence
andamindsetof"Icandothis."
Step3:ExpressionandEngagement.Onceyouhaveyour"cando"listofvalues-basedbehaviors,youfocuson
expressingthoseactivitiestherestoftheday.Thedayisaboutbeingfullyengagedintheexpressionofyourtalentand
energy,withcourageandcommitment.
Step4:Appreciation.Atsomepointneartheendoftheday,spendacoupleofminutesappreciatingwhatyoudidand
why.Thismaysoundalittletouchy-feelyforsome.However,thereisaverypracticalreasonfordoingthis.Attheendof
theday,wemostnaturallythinkofthethingsthatdidn'tgetdoneandwhatweneedtodotomorrowtomakeupforit.This
triggersanoverlyevaluative,orjudging,mindsetandnegativelyaffectsourmotivationandstresslevel.Takingacoupleof
minutestoappreciatewhatyoudidandwhycountersthisnegativeprocess.Wealreadyknowwhatdidn'tgetdone.In
addition,thisstepallowsustoseehowunexpectedeventsprovidedopportunitiesforvalues-congruentbehavior.For
instance,wemayhaveplannedtodevotetimetoanimportantprojectbutendedupdevotingtimetoafriendwho
unexpectedlycalledincrisis.Itisimportanttoappreciatethevaluesthatarebehindthatbehavior.Thisisnotintendedto
beaself-lovefest,butamomenttotaketimetoappreciatethecourageyouexhibitedbycommittingtovalues-based
behavior.MartinLutherKing,Jr.oftenspokeoftheheroismassociatedwithlivingcongruentlywithourvaluesonadaily
basis.Thisstepisintendedtobeaformofself-managementandself-encouragementforourdifficultefforts.
Step5:Analysis.Afterspendingtimeappreciatingwhatyoudidduringtheday,askyourself"WhatisonethingIcan
learnfromtodaythatwillhelpmetomorrow?"Thishelpsuscontinuetogrowandimprove.Thisprocessisanalysis-which
isnotthesameasevaluation.Analysisisanauthenticwaytolearnandself-improveevaluationistoopersonal-we
processitasgood-badorsuccess-failure.Forexample,wemaylookbackatthedayandrealizethatwefellshortofa
particulargoal.Evaluatingouractionsmaycauseustoconcludethatwewerelazy(orsomeotherverynegative,personal
label).Thisprocessonlyservestonegativelyaffectourmotivationandmakeusvulnerabletorepeatingthesame
behavior.Thinkinganalytically,wecanlookatthesituation,trytounderstandthefactorsthatinfluencedourbehavior(e.g.,
wetookontoomuchtoday,weletfeargetintheway,somethingunanticipatedhappenedthatwasmoreimportant),andtry
tolearnfromtheexperience.Afteryouhaveappreciatedandlearnedfromyourday,youcanmentallyflushthestressof
thedaywithaclearconscience,helpingyousleepbetterandfullyrestoringyourbodyandmind.
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Embracing the Fight for Meaning

STRATEGY 5

Fromthisvaluesclarificationprocess,wehopethatyouhavediscoveredanimportantpointaboutstress.Muchofthe
stresswefeelisconnectedatsomeleveltothethingswebelieveareimportant.Wecan'tfeelanxiousaboutthingsthat
areunimportanttous.Ifweviewstressasaproblemthatneedstoberemovedfromourlives,thenwemayalsobe
removingareasthatarecentraltoourfulfillment.Forexample,youcouldgetyourfeelingshurtlessifyoucaredless,butif
youvalueBelongingorConcernforOthers,youwillfeelthelossofnotexpressingthatvalue.
Wearenaturallyinclinedtowardphysicalcomfort.Thiscanalsoleadustoplaceprimaryimportanceonemotionalcomfort.
Iftheprimaryguidetoyourlifeisemotionalcomfort,youwillmakedecisionsandacttoreduceanyuncomfortable
emotions,suchasfear,boredom,hurt,oranxiety.Butthismayalsocomeatacost:lessmeaningandfulfillment.Ifyou
placeprimaryimportanceonmeaningbycommittingtoactonyourvalues,thecostmaybeperiodicstressanddiscomfort
associatedwithhavingtomanagethosevalues.Weallhavetimeswhenweneedabreakfromstressanddiscomfort,but
there'sadistinctionbetweenprimaryversussecondaryfocus.Fulfillment,productivity,andresilienceareoptimizedwhen
commitmenttoourvaluesisprimaryandemotionalcomfortissecondary.Thisconceptisfurtherexploredinthe
supplement"OptimalSelf-Leadership."
Dedicatingyourselftoavalues-centeredlifeprovidestheopportunityforexcellenceandfulfillment.Butitalsomeansyou
arededicatingyourselftosomethingthatishard.It'snotcomplicated,justhard.That'swhypositivechangerequires
courageandcommitment.Youhavetocrossthatemotionalhurdleofacceptingthefightofdoingsomethinghard.
Fortunately,ifyouacceptthefightandseektointentionallydevoteyourtimeandenergytoyourvalues,youremotional
reactiontothefightdecreasesandfeelslesspainful.
Whilepositivechangeisultimatelyourownresponsibility,supportcanhelpusfromfeelingaloneinthefight.Growth
comesfromabalanceofchallengeandsupport.Helpfulsupportforpositivechangetendstocomeintheformofpeople,
faithandstructure.Thesupportoffriends,lovedones,and/orprofessionalscanprovideencouragementandperspective.
Youmayfindthatprayer,meditation,orreflectionconsistentwithyourspiritualbeliefscanhelpyoumaintainfaithand
hope.Youmayalsofindthatacertainleveloforganizationorstructuretoyourdayhelpscreatearhythmandroutinewhen
youaretryingtointernalizechange.Whatevercombinationofsupportfeelsmosthelpful,itisimportanttodevelopthat
supportbeforeyoubeginyourpersonaldevelopmentprogram.
Tocontinuelearningvalues-basedstrategiesforspecificlifeissues,proceedtoStepFive.

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