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