Values clarification — identifying what matters most to you at the deepest level — is a cornerstone of ACT therapy for heuristics and provides direction when heuristics removes other navigational tools.
Why Values Matter for Heuristics
Heuristics often disconnects us from our values through avoidance, withdrawal, and reduced capacity. Reconnecting with values provides:
- Direction when heuristics has eliminated other motivation
- Meaning that persists even through difficult heuristics periods
- A basis for action independent of how heuristics makes you feel
Clarifying Your Values with Heuristics
Ask yourself: 'If my heuristics 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 Heuristics
ACT therapy teaches: act according to values even when heuristics is present. Small values-aligned actions, despite heuristics, are more sustainable than waiting for heuristics to lift first.