Define your values and live with integrity
Your values are your internal compass—the principles that guide your decisions, shape your identity, and determine the kind of person you become. In a world full of noise, pressure, and conflicting messages, knowing your values gives you clarity and confidence.
This workshop will help you identify what truly matters to you, understand how values shape character, and learn to make decisions that align with who you want to be.
Most people have never consciously identified their values—they just drift through life reacting to circumstances. Let's change that.
Review this list of values and check the ones that resonate with you (choose 10-15):
From the values you checked, choose your TOP 5—the ones you couldn't live without. Write them here in order of importance:
These five values are your compass. When you're facing a tough decision and don't know what to do, ask: "Which choice aligns with my core values?" The answer will become clear.
Many people confuse values with goals. Understanding the difference is crucial.
Example: "Being healthy" is a VALUE (ongoing lifestyle). "Losing 10 pounds" is a GOAL (specific, achievable).
Identify whether each statement is a value or a goal:
"I want to be a kind person."
"I want to get straight A's this semester."
"I want to be honest in all my relationships."
"I want to make the varsity team."
"I want to live with integrity."
For each of your top 5 values, write one goal that aligns with it:
Integrity means your actions match your values. When they don't, you feel uncomfortable—that's cognitive dissonance. Let's identify any gaps.
For each of your core values, rate how well you're currently living it:
The distance between what you value and how you act is called the "integrity gap." The smaller the gap, the more at peace you feel with yourself. The larger the gap, the more internal conflict and shame you experience.
Your values are tested when following them comes at a cost. Let's practice making values-aligned decisions in tough situations.
Read each scenario and choose the response that aligns with strong character values:
Scenario 1: You see a popular group making fun of a classmate. Joining in could boost your social status, but it violates your value of kindness.
Scenario 2: A friend asks you to lie to cover for them. You value loyalty, but you also value honesty.
Scenario 3: You have a chance to cheat on a test without getting caught. You value achievement, but also integrity.
Scenario 4: You're invited to do something your friends are doing, but it goes against your family's values or your personal beliefs.
A personal values statement is like a mission statement for your life. It's something you can return to when making big decisions.
Complete this framework to create your personal values statement:
Take a screenshot or write this down. Put it somewhere you'll see it—phone background, mirror, journal. Review it when facing tough decisions.
When you know your core values, tough decisions become clearer.
Values are directions you move in; goals are destinations you reach.
Living with integrity means your actions match your values.
Your character is revealed when living your values comes at a cost.
Every decision to honor your values strengthens your character.
A written values statement becomes your guide for life's big decisions.
Demonstrating mastery in identifying core values, understanding integrity, making values-based decisions, and creating a personal values statement.