What is your "values" in life?
Hi friends:) It's been a while since I last came to the forum. I've been busy with studying and uni life, but I'd like to share a little thing I learnt in uni that I think is a very interesting topic to talk about.
So last week my classes learnt about ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) and I'm just in love with it. So in short, we learnt that ACT is mainly about accepting the fact that some certain levels of stress and anxiety is a normal thing for a healthy mind, and that living and working towards our "values" in life would make our journey more enjoyable. It's not the same for setting up goals, when you don't only focus on the final prize but also find contentment in the process of moving toward that goal.
That's why I've been reflecting on my own "values" in life. Two of my biggest values are "curiosity" and to "enjoy learning". Reflecting on such values has been helping me deal with uni life for a while now, because it helps me to accept the confusion in learning and not to think of myself as stupid whenever I struggle with studying. Reminding me of my values helps me to remember that confusion is a part of learning too, which is an important part in being curious. It helps me feel a bit better about myself in my journey of pursuing a uni degree hehheh.
So I tend to think of "values" as guidance in our life. That's why I'd like to know about your "values" too, if you feel comfortable enough to share.
Comments
Thanks so much for sharing! It's awesome to hear that reflecting on your values has helped you navigate your struggles with studying.
I'm a psychology graduate and am hoping to learn more about ACT in my postgraduate studies. I admire that ACT uses mindfulness approaches to accept internal experiences. I've experienced first-hand how mindfulness techniques such as meditation can help you work through difficult thoughts and feelings and bring your attention back to what really matters (like your personal values!).
For me, I feel that my biggest value is having meaningful relationships with others. I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family and try to support them whenever I can. I also consider myself to be a lifelong learner so I would say that another value of mine is also 'curiosity'! I love learning about the world and all things psychology, health, history, and culture🥰
Are there any particular topics you enjoy learning about?
Hi @Olive1
It's great that we have a similar value!!! I'm interested in the human mind in general. I've been doing some personal research about neurodiversity so the brain has been a huge topic for me lately:) And I especially love learning how to learn (like how to study in school) as well!!
I love this, thanks for sharing 😌 I'm doing psych and counselling and havent learnt much about ACT as of yet, I'm in my third year and my uni mostly does psychodynamic and humanistic stuff, and some CBT stuff too.
In terms of values, I feel like at this point im heavily influenced by 'independence' and 'curiosity.'
I think recently becoming an adult has allowed for a lot more independence and exploration of the world, which is nice but also comes with stress. Additionally, I've also felt a lot of curiosity recently, especially studying psych, about the world around me.
Thank you for sharing! Despite studying psychology, I know very little about ACT so this was very enlightening.
I think my biggest values are honesty, integrity and authenticity. All of my relationships are built on these values and I highly value when someone can be real with me and communicate openly. I cannot stand 'pretending' or adhering to outdated social norms, and it takes a great toll on me if I do have to pretend or lie. When someone isn't being honest, genuine or authentic, I find that the biggest betrayal and I truly believe that open conversations can fix a lot of problems.
Another one is generosity and compassion. I highly value people who give to others and try to live by that value myself.
Like you, I would also say that I live life valuing curiosity. I believe that in my lifetime, I should try everything at least once and learn as much as I can! Sometimes I have trouble empathising with people who don't have that value.
I'm wondering if you have any knowledge about how values and core beliefs (as in core beliefs from CBT) are linked (if they are linked)?
Hi @dewgong
Sorry for the late reply, great question though! According to what I learnt in class, CBT and ACT definitely link to each other since ACT is a form of modern CBT (third wave CBT they call it :)) as I remember. In my opinion, because one's core belief influences their thoughts and behavior, ACT's values are pretty much similar, since the person after determining their values in life would be committed to their values, therefore, act likewise. So in a nutshell, both core beliefs and values are what determine or guide one's actions and behaviors in life. Hope it makes sense:)
I'm not sure if it's exactly a value, but I think one of mine is just,, believing people. Like if they tell you they've had an experience then believe that they know themselves and their experiences best. Another is that everyone deserves support and I want to help people as much as I can, but then another is to be a little "selfish", like put your needs first, so only help people if you have the space. I like your value of curiosity, and I may have similar, or like, the value of doing whatever you want because it's all a learning experience and learning is fun + life is all about experiences
Hey, this is such a great idea.
Some of my values are loving people and trying your hardest at whatever you are doing.
I think it's so important knowing what your values are as well as your beliefs because they completely change how you live and do life.
Hey, welcome back! 🥰
ACT sounds like such a practical life tool, it's always a good reminder to know that feeling somewhat stressed or anxious is just a normal human emotion.
I LOVE that curiosity is a value of yours, feel like it opens you up to new paths, especially in a uni degree. What are you studying?
I really like reflecting on my values, I reckon it brings you into focus. I value 'honesty' and 'independence'. Honesty is great, it cuts away so much nonsense and brings you closer to people. I also really value independence in thought - I like when people think for themselves or have crazy new ideas, kinda like conspiracy stuff but not hahaha. I think it's good to question things with curiosity I guess!
Hey @Lemon_Parrot
Sorry for the late reply. I'm currently in my first year of psychology hehe.
