Values clarification — identifying what matters most to you at the deepest level — is a cornerstone of ACT therapy for academic problems and skills and provides direction when academic problems and skills removes other navigational tools.
Why Values Matter for Academic Problems and Skills
Academic Problems and Skills often disconnects us from our values through avoidance, withdrawal, and reduced capacity. Reconnecting with values provides:
- Direction when academic problems and skills has eliminated other motivation
- Meaning that persists even through difficult academic problems and skills periods
- A basis for action independent of how academic problems and skills makes you feel
Clarifying Your Values with Academic Problems and Skills
Ask yourself: 'If my academic problems and skills were less present, what would I be doing more of? What kind of person would I be?'
Values are not goals (achievable and done) but ongoing directions: being a present parent, creating beauty, contributing to others.
Values-Based Action in Academic Problems and Skills
ACT therapy teaches: act according to values even when academic problems and skills is present. Small values-aligned actions, despite academic problems and skills, are more sustainable than waiting for academic problems and skills to lift first.