Using The Personal Values Card Sort Method To Set Goals
By: Eleanor Foxx
Tags: Values, Goal Setting, Psychology, Therapy, Productivity

No matter how much we discover, human brains remain a complex mystery to most. There isn’t an exact explanation for everything we do or don’t do, much as we may try to find it. A common question people as is, “Why?” Why are we here? What’s the purpose? There isn’t an answer, but there are steps to take to sort out your values to live a better life.

The Personal Values Card Sort Method

In 2001, The University of New Mexico developed and put out a ‘Personal Values’ Card sorting method. These cards can be located online and printed (with some cutting involved). Once everything is in order, there should be 83 different possible values to choose from. Try not to look over any of them ahead of time. Sorting should be done as judgment-free as possible.

Sorting Your Cards

The cards come with three extra category cards to help with the sorting. The idea is to handle and read each card physically, but do so quickly and try not to second guess. Sorting by hand will allow your brain to subconsciously draw to the proper category. Spend no more than 3 seconds on a card, if possible. Once finished, there will be three piles in front of you. Go ahead and remove the ‘Not important’ pile entirely from the equation.

Narrowing It Down

The next step is to go through the remaining two sections and select the top 5 from each category. It may take a few look overs before reaching a decision; remember to keep it light and judgment-free. It isn’t necessary to order them, but it’s an option if desired.

Very Important vs. So-So Important

Once you have your final piles, there will be a top ten list of values. Each category corresponds to something different. Very Important values are your core values that seldom change and are the values you want to live your life around. So-So Important values are what you base decision making on and how you go about living your life.

What To Do With Your Values

There isn’t anything that you have to do with these values. It may be an enlightening exercise to help figure out where you stand. For others, this could serve as a stepping stone to setting goals and living the way they want. Something to try is writing down a goal for each value and following the SMART method.

Take this for an example goal: ‘I will paint a painting in three brand-new styles before the end of the year.’

Specific. Make sure the goal isn’t too vague and is something you can focus on. The example gives detail to the goal instead of, ‘I will become a famous painter.’

Measurable. The example is measurable by the number of paintings described, three. It doesn’t have to be a number, but it should be something you can track progress efficiently with.

Achievable. This example goal is incredibly achievable. For some people, three new paintings could be difficult. Others might find they finish the goal and want a new one. Both are perfectly fine! Achievement is still an achievement, no matter how big or small.

Relevant to Value. In this example, it’s related to the value Creativity. Staying close to the value is essential.

Time-Limited. Time limits are scary, but they help motivate and allow us to budget our time better. Making the goal time-limited — by the end of the year — works together with Measurability. If you happen to miss your deadline, don’t be discouraged. Reevaluate how well you can handle your situation and goal and try again.

Conclusion

The Card Sorting Method is a wonderful device that takes little time and effort to use for the valuable outcome it gives. No one thing will fit every human being, a deafening reason for so many different methods. Still, the method is an excellent exercise for those who feel lost in life or struggle with their personal identities. These values aren’t set in stone, and the exercise can be repeated yearly to help organize yourself as needed.