Consider the case of the doctor who counsels his patients every day about abstaining from tobacco use for the sake of their health, then takes a smoke break. Or the person who wants open communication and closeness in a relationship, then avoids bringing up difficult topics. These people are both experiencing distress because their choices are not aligned with their personal values. This is called value incongruence.
We know that when a person acts in opposition to their values and beliefs, their overall wellbeing declines - mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, etc. For example, a person working for an organization whose policies go against some of their personal values results in faster burnout. The more important the value, the bigger the impact on wellbeing.
Value Incongruence Self-test:
Read through this list and write down your top 10 values. Include anything that comes to mind that isn't on this list. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to get it right, just do it quickly and follow your gut.
We know that when a person acts in opposition to their values and beliefs, their overall wellbeing declines - mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, etc. For example, a person working for an organization whose policies go against some of their personal values results in faster burnout. The more important the value, the bigger the impact on wellbeing.
Value Incongruence Self-test:
Read through this list and write down your top 10 values. Include anything that comes to mind that isn't on this list. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to get it right, just do it quickly and follow your gut.
| Accountability Achievement Adaptability Ambition Attitude Awareness Balance (home/work) Being the best Caring Coaching Mentoring Commitment Community Involvement Compassion | Competence Conflict Resolution Continuous learning Cooperation Courage Creativity Dialogue Ease with uncertainty Enthusiasm Entrepreneurial Environmental Efficiency | Ethics Excellence Fairness Family Financial stability Forgiveness Friendships Future generations Generosity Health Honesty Humility Humor/fun Independence Integrity | Initiative Intuition Job security Leadership Listening Making a difference Open communication Openness Patience Perseverance Professional Growth Personal fulfillment | Personal growth Power Recognition Reliability Respect Responsibility Risk-taking Safety Self-discipline Success Teamwork Trust Vision Wealth Well-being Wisdom |
From your list of 10, now circle your top three values.
Reflect:
What are you doing (or avoiding) that is aligned with these values? Keep doing it!
What are you doing (or avoiding) that is NOT aligned with these values? Consider making a change.
Resources:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Depression
Some research here and here.
Reflect:
What are you doing (or avoiding) that is aligned with these values? Keep doing it!
What are you doing (or avoiding) that is NOT aligned with these values? Consider making a change.
Resources:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Depression
Some research here and here.
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