#atom

Scientific method for identifying and reinforcing personal values

Core Idea: Values affirmation is a research-backed intervention where regularly identifying and reflecting on core personal values increases confidence, reduces stress, and helps create alignment between actions and priorities.

Key Elements

• Scientific foundation:

  • Known in research as "values affirmation interventions"
  • Demonstrated benefits in reducing stress and improving performance
  • Particularly effective during periods of uncertainty or transition

• Implementation process:

  1. Identify core personal values across life domains
  2. Regularly reflect on these values through writing or structured exercises
  3. Connect daily actions to these deeper values
  4. Revisit and refine as values evolve

• Benefits:

  • Makes abstract ideals tangible and actionable
  • Increases confidence in decision-making
  • Creates resilience during challenging periods
  • Serves as foundation for more specific goal-setting
  • Reduces cognitive dissonance between beliefs and actions

• Connection to other alignment tools:

  • Provides the "why" behind specific goals
  • Creates foundation for more specific planning tools
  • Helps evaluate opportunities through values lens

Connections

• Related Concepts: The Wheel of Life (structured tool for values assessment), Misalignment Burnout (values affirmation helps prevent)
• Broader Context: Positive Psychology (part of evidence-based wellbeing practices)
• Applications: The 12-Month Celebration (translates values into medium-term goals), Three Alignment Quests (converts values into daily actions)

References

1. Abdaal, A. (2023). Feel Good Productivity.

#values #psychology #alignment #well_being

Connections:

Sources:

• From: Abdaal-Feel-good Productivity