Mind Insight
Back to Glossary
Personal Growth

Values-Based Living

Values-Based Living

Values-Based Living means knowing what truly matters to you and making daily choices that align with those values. It's the starting point for living a life that feels authentically yours.

Details

What Is Values-Based Living?

Values-Based Living is a concept central to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It means clearly recognizing what you genuinely hold dear, and actively practicing behaviors in your daily life that align with those values.

The Difference Between Values and Goals

Many people confuse values with goals, but they are distinct:

  • Goals: Specific destinations you can reach (e.g., completing a marathon, getting a promotion)
  • Values: A compass that guides the direction of your life (e.g., health, growth, love)

    • Goals end once achieved, but values are directions you can follow for a lifetime.

    Core Value Domains

    Here are the major life value domains to consider:

  • Relationships: Love, friendship, family, intimacy
  • Growth: Learning, curiosity, self-development
  • Health: Physical and mental well-being
  • Work: Achievement, contribution, creativity
  • Leisure: Enjoyment, adventure, rest
  • Spirituality: Meaning, gratitude, connectedness
  • Community: Fairness, service, generosity

    • How to Live in a Values-Based Way

  • Explore your values: Ask yourself, 'How would I want people to remember me at my funeral?'
  • Check in with the present: Examine whether your time and energy are currently being spent in line with your values
  • Small actions: Practice one small action each day that reflects your values
  • Accept obstacles: Uncomfortable feelings may arise when you try to live by your values — allow them to be there naturally
  • Regular reflection: Once a month, look back and ask whether your life is aligned with your values

    • A Word from Mindy

    Values-Based Living isn't about living a perfect life. It's okay if you can't act in line with your values every single moment. As long as you know your direction, you can always find your way back to that path.

    💡 Real-Life Example

    A person who holds 'family' as a core value decides to attend their child's school recital instead of staying late at work — this is a real-life example of values-based living in action.

    Ad

    Want to talk more about "Values-Based Living"?

    Mindy is here to explore this topic with you and offer personalized advice

    Related Psychological Tests

    Explore tests related to this topic to understand yourself more deeply

    This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.

    Values-Based Living (Values-Based Living) | 마음스캔 심리학 용어사전