Look at the list of words below. These are examples of different core values that may influence your life. Read over the list to determine which of these values are important to you. If you have additional values that aren’t listed here, add yours to the list. Once you’ve had time to read over and think about all of the values on the list, do the steps listed below. (Note: This exercise is very difficult – take your time to think through each step.)

Step one: After reviewing the list, choose the ten 10 core values you feel are most important to you. (Think of the things you “just couldn’t live without.”) Cross out the ones that didn’t make this cut.

Step two: Review the ten (10) core values that remain on your list. Now imagine you have to eliminate half of those. Cross out so that only five (5) remain. Choose carefully!

Step three: Next review the five (5) that remain. Then whittle your list down to three (3) core values! Cross out the ones you eliminate.

Step four: Now the difficult step! Choose 1 (Yes, only one!) from the three that remain, and cross out the other two.

Conclusion: The last core value left on your list is one that primarily guides your life. Many of the decisions you make are influenced by this value. Of course we have other core values, but when pressured, this one value will often shine through when you make choices in life. When you are addicted, you have no control over your choices. An addiction-based choice does not allow you to take into account your core values. When you are addicted, the things you hold most dear are left out of the decision-making process.

Follow-up

Reflection: How did it feel doing this exercise? What thoughts emerged when doing this exercise?

Journal: Use the following writing prompt to reflect upon this exercise.

1. Create a list of ten reasons why core values are important to you.

(Example: “The core values I cherish help me to feel my life is meaningful.”