Values shape our wants and needs and therefore, goals we set for ourselves. Differing values or competing importance of values play a key role in prioritizing goals and making decisions about resources. How your limited resources are used will impact how successfully you achieve goals that you set.

In answering the question what do you value, people often say "money." However, money is not the value. Money is a means to achieve an end or value. Money can achieve security (reliable food and shelter) or freedom (ability to travel or further your education). People can share a value and express it through different decisions and actions. For instance two people feel family is important. One chooses a job with a 4-day week to spend more time at home. The other pursues fishing as a hobby so other family members can participate.

In addition to different ways of expressing values, not everyone values the same things. Identify, clarify, evaluate, and prioritize your values, before discussing it with others in your household. Be clear how your values relate to the things you'd like to accomplish and the day-to-day decisions you make.

Use the Values Checklist to clarify what you value.