Which Values Are Most Important to You?

Instructions: 

People are influenced by a wide variety of personal values. In fact, it has been argued that values represent a major influence on how we process information, how we feel about issues, and how we behave. In this exercise, you are given an opportunity to consider your own personal values. Below are listed two sets of statements. The first list presents several instrumental values, while the second list presents several terminal values. For each list you are asked to rank the statements according to how important each is to you personally. In the list of instrumental values, place a “1” next to the value that is most important to you, a “2” next to the second most important, and so forth. Clearly, you will have to make some difficult decisions concerning your priorities. When you have completed the list for instrumental values, follow the same procedure for the terminal values. Please remember that this is not a test—there are no right or wrong answers—so be completely honest with yourself.

Instrumental Values

_____ Assertiveness; standing up for yourself

_____ Being helpful or caring toward others

_____ Dependability; being counted upon by others

_____ Education and intellectual pursuits

_____ Hard work and achievement

_____ Obedience; following the wishes of others

_____ Open-mindedness; receptivity to new ideas

_____ Self-sufficiency; independence

_____ Truthfulness; honesty
_____ Being well-mannered and courteous toward others

Terminal Values

_____ Happiness; satisfaction in life

_____ Knowledge and wisdom

_____ Peace and harmony in the world

_____ Pride in accomplishment

_____ Prosperity; wealth

_____ Lasting friendships

_____ Recognition from peers

_____ Salvation; finding eternal life

_____ Security; freedom from threat

_____ Self-esteem; self-respect