Cass

You could then go and label a second group where those values are quite important to you.

Then lastly, consider whether the rest of the values that you identified fall into group three, which is when those values are very important to you.

So now you're going to have three groups of values, somewhat important, quite important and very important.

So of the very important values that you've identified, try and narrow it down to say five very important values to you right now in your life.

Now, look, this doesn't have to be perfect.

You don't have to have five.

You can have less than five, more than five.

But I just want you to think about for you in your life right now, what values are most important to you?

Now, I'm not suggesting by the time you finish listening to this podcast that you're going to have identified and clarified your very important values.

Take some time to do it.

It might take a few days.

It might take a few weeks.

I would suggest if this is something that you struggle with and you struggle to identify what values are most meaningful for you,

you could consider reaching out to a counselor or a psychologist, a therapist, because this is something that they can also help you work through.

I think it's a valuable exercise to do across our lifespan at different points in time because the research shows it's really important for our well-being.

It can reduce anxiety and distress.

It increases resilience.

It can help people cope in times of stress and adversity.

And it can help you to feel a stronger sense of identity and a greater purpose in your life.

So once you have a sense of what your values are, the next question isn't, am I living perfectly aligned with my values?