Values
Values are the qualities and directions that give life meaning and purpose. In ACT, values help guide choices and actions, even when difficult thoughts, emotions, or obstacles are present.
Quick Facts
- Values are ongoing directions, not destinations.
- They help guide decisions and behavior.
- Values are different from goals.
- People often experience greater fulfillment when actions align with values.
- Values provide motivation for acceptance and committed action.
What Are Values?
Values are deeply held qualities that describe how you want to live, relate to others, and engage with the world. They represent the kind of person you want to be and the qualities you want to express through your actions.
Examples of values include compassion, honesty, curiosity, courage, connection, learning, creativity, responsibility, growth, and kindness.
Unlike goals, values are never fully completed. They are ongoing directions that can guide choices throughout life.
Values vs. Goals
Goals can be achieved. Values provide ongoing direction.
Health Example
Goal: Run a half-marathon.
Value: Health, vitality, and self-care.
Career Example
Goal: Earn a professional certification.
Value: Learning, growth, and contribution.
Relationships Example
Goal: Plan a weekly family activity.
Value: Connection, presence, and care.
Why Values Matter
Many people spend years trying to eliminate discomfort, reduce symptoms, or avoid uncertainty. While understandable, these efforts do not necessarily answer a deeper question:
“What kind of life do I want to build?”
Values help answer that question. They provide direction during difficult times and help people make choices that align with what matters most.
In ACT, values are often described as a compass. A compass does not eliminate obstacles, but it helps you maintain direction while navigating them.
Common Life Domains
Values can be expressed across many different areas of life.
Relationships
Family, friendships, intimacy, connection, and support.
Work & Education
Contribution, learning, achievement, growth, and purpose.
Health & Well-Being
Physical health, self-care, vitality, and balance.
Personal Growth
Curiosity, creativity, development, and lifelong learning.
Community
Service, contribution, belonging, and social responsibility.
Leisure & Recreation
Enjoyment, exploration, play, and restoration.
Values and Difficult Emotions
Living according to your values does not guarantee comfort. Meaningful actions often involve uncertainty, vulnerability, disappointment, or anxiety.
Values provide a reason to make room for these experiences. A person may choose to face anxiety in order to pursue connection, growth, learning, or contribution.
This is one reason values are so central to ACT—they provide direction when challenges arise.
Questions for Reflection
- What qualities do I want to bring to my relationships?
- What matters most to me in life?
- How do I want to treat myself and others?
- What would I stand for if fear were not making the decisions?
- What kind of person do I want to be?
Values Guide Committed Action
Values are not simply ideas or aspirations. They become meaningful when translated into action.
In ACT, values provide direction and committed action provides movement. Together, they help people build lives that feel meaningful and purposeful.
Related ACT Topics
Continue exploring the ACT concepts that support values-based living.
What Is ACT?
Learn the foundations of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Psychological Flexibility
Explore the central goal that connects all ACT processes.
Acceptance
Learn how making room for difficult experiences supports meaningful action.
Committed Action
Discover how values become meaningful through consistent action.
Present-Moment Awareness
Strengthen mindfulness skills and connection to the present moment.
Continue Exploring ACT
Visit the ACT Skills Center for additional concepts, skills, exercises, and practical tools.