Personal Values Shield

Discovering what matters most through creative reflection

GeneralInfo SheetFree Resource

Personal Values Shield

Discovering what matters most through creative reflection

This activity uses the metaphor of a personal shield to help individuals identify and articulate their core values, strengths, and sources of meaning. Values clarification is a central component of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and has been shown to increase psychological flexibility, motivation, and life satisfaction (Lundgren et al., 2012; Hayes et al., 2022). By visually representing what matters most, clients create a tangible reminder they can return to during difficult moments.

How to Create Your Personal Values Shield

Shield Section Prompts

My Core Strengths:: What qualities or abilities do you rely on most? Think about what others come to you for or what helps you persevere through challenges.

What I Value Most:: Identify the principles that guide your decisions. These might include honesty, creativity, family, justice, learning, or compassion.

People Who Support Me:: Who are the people in your life that encourage you, hold you accountable, or make you feel safe? Include family, friends, mentors, or community members.

A Challenge I Have Overcome:: Reflect on a difficult experience that taught you something important about yourself. What did you learn, and how did it shape who you are today?

What Brings Me Joy:: Identify activities, places, or experiences that consistently bring you happiness or a sense of fulfillment.

My Future Vision:: Imagine your life five years from now, living in alignment with your values. What does that life look like?