Values are personal and different for all of us. They are what you consider most important in life. We all have values, but unless we take the time to think about those values, we can easily overlook them when we’re making important choices. Here are some guidelines for identifying what you value.

• Is this something that’s important to you?

• Do you feel good about this being important to you?

• Would you feel good if people you respect knew that this was important to you?

• Have you ever done anything that indicates that this is important to you?

• Is this something you would stand by even if others made fun of you for it?

• Does this fit in with your vision of who you are?

Oftentimes we find ourselves in situations where we have to make a choice between two values that are in conflict with each other. At times like this we must be ready to distinguish between our higher values and our lower values.

Taking time to think about, acknowledge, and prioritize your values is something we should all do from time to time. Use this Values worksheet to begin the process with your students, kids, or even yourself!