Let’s get real: knowing your top values is like having a personal compass when life gets messy. Without clear values, you’re guessing what matters most, and under stress, it’s easy to lose sight of what actually guides you. That’s why naming your top values matters - it gives you a reliable way to make decisions that don’t just feel right in the moment but align with what truly matters to you.

Here’s how to do it simply and quickly:

1. Find a list of common values (things like honesty, family, creativity, security). You can easily find one online or use something like The Forcing Function’s Top Values Worksheet.

2. Skim through the list and tick all the values that genuinely resonate with you.

3. From those ticks, pick your top five - rank them from most important to least.

4. Write this list down and keep it somewhere visible, like near your desk or on your phone.

Why does this work? A 2021 study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who clearly identify and rank their values are 43% more likely to choose long-term goals over short-term temptations. In other words, when you know what matters most, it’s easier to say no to distractions and yes to what really moves you forward.

Use this when you’re facing tough decisions, feeling pulled in multiple directions, or just overwhelmed by options. Your values list becomes a quick reality check: “Does this choice align with what I care about most?” If yes, great. If no, you’ve got a clearer reason to reconsider.

Bottom line: Naming your top values isn’t some vague feel-good exercise. It’s a straightforward tool to cut through noise, reduce stress, and make decisions that stick. Give it five minutes. It’s that simple, that powerful.