Real-World Examples of Identifying Personal Values and Decision Making

Everyday examples of identifying personal values and decision making

Let’s skip the theory and go straight into real-life situations. These are everyday examples of identifying personal values and decision making that might feel very familiar.

Example 1: Choosing between a higher-paying job and work-life balance

Jordan is offered a promotion with a big raise, but it comes with longer hours and frequent travel. On paper, it looks like the obvious choice. But when Jordan takes a moment to journal, a different picture appears.

Jordan writes:

• “What do I want my days to feel like?”
• “What do I want my relationships to look like in 5 years?”

The answers keep circling back to time with family, coaching their kid’s soccer team, and having energy in the evenings. That points to values like family, health, and balance, more than status or income.

Jordan ends up turning down the promotion and instead negotiates a small raise and more flexible hours. This is a clear example of identifying personal values and decision making: once the values were named, the decision stopped feeling confusing.

Try it yourself: When you’re torn between options, ask, “Which choice honors my values more, not just my ego or my fears?”

Example 2: Saying no to a social event without guilt

Maya is invited to a weekend trip with friends. She likes them, but she’s been feeling drained and behind on personal projects. Old Maya would have said yes out of fear of missing out.

This time, she pauses and writes:

• “What do I need most this weekend—connection or rest?”
• “If I say yes, what value am I honoring? If I say no, what value am I honoring?”

She realizes her current top values are rest, creativity, and financial stability (the trip is expensive). She decides to say no and plans a quiet weekend working on her art.

This is another one of those real examples of identifying personal values and decision making: she’s not rejecting her friends; she’s choosing to live in alignment with her values.

You might notice: when decisions are based on values rather than guilt, the “no” feels calmer and more confident.

Example 3: Leaving a toxic workplace

Sam has a stable job with good benefits, but the culture is toxic. There’s gossip, disrespect, and constant pressure. Sam keeps thinking, “But I should be grateful. Other people have it worse.”

One night, Sam writes out a list of personal values:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Growth
• Psychological safety

Then Sam asks, "On a scale of 1–10, how much does my current job honor each of these values?" The scores are painfully low.

This exercise becomes a powerful example of identifying personal values and decision making. Instead of asking, “Is it bad enough to leave?” Sam asks, “Does this job fit the life I want to build?” That shift leads Sam to create a 6-month exit plan, update a resume, and start networking.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that chronic workplace stress and lack of control can harm both mental and physical health (apa.org). Aligning your work with your values isn’t a luxury; it’s a long-term health decision.

Example 4: Prioritizing health after burnout

Alex has been running on empty for years: late nights, fast food, and constant “hustle.” After a health scare, Alex realizes something has to change.

In a journal, Alex writes:

• “What do I want my body to be able to do 10 years from now?”
• “What kind of older adult do I want to become?”

The answers point to values like longevity, vitality, independence, and presence. Alex begins making decisions based on those values: scheduling regular checkups, setting a bedtime, and blocking off time for walking outside.

According to the National Institutes of Health, consistent lifestyle choices around sleep, physical activity, and nutrition significantly affect long-term health outcomes (nih.gov). Alex’s story is one of the best examples of identifying personal values and decision making around health: instead of chasing quick fixes, Alex chooses habits that honor deeply held values.

Example 5: Choosing a college major or career path

Taylor (different Taylor!) is torn between majoring in engineering and studying social work. Engineering is more prestigious in their family and promises higher pay. Social work feels more meaningful but less “impressive.”

To get clarity, Taylor tries this reflection:

• “When in my life have I felt most alive or proud of myself?”
• “What was I doing, and what values was I living in those moments?”

Patterns emerge: helping others, advocacy, and community. Taylor realizes service, empathy, and impact are central values. That doesn’t automatically mean social work is the only answer, but it steers Taylor toward roles where those values can be honored.

This is a textbook example of identifying personal values and decision making in education and career: instead of chasing the “right” answer, you look for the path that lets your values breathe.

Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership often emphasizes aligning leadership choices with personal values as a foundation for meaningful work and ethical decision making (hks.harvard.edu). The same idea applies when you’re choosing a major or first job.

Example 6: Setting boundaries with family

Avery loves their family but feels drained by constant last-minute requests for help. Every time Avery says yes, resentment builds.

One evening, Avery sits down and writes:

• “What kind of relationship do I want with my family five years from now?”
• “What do I need to feel respected in that relationship?”

Values like mutual respect, autonomy, and honesty show up. Avery decides to start saying things like, “I love you, but I need more notice to help,” or “I can help on Saturday mornings, but not during the week.”

This is one of those real examples of identifying personal values and decision making where boundaries become an act of care, not rejection. The value isn’t “selfishness"—it’s sustainability. Avery wants to be able to show up for family without burning out.

Example 7: Digital boundaries and social media use

In 2024–2025, a lot of our decisions happen on screens: how much to scroll, what to share, who to follow. Layla notices that after an hour on social media, she feels anxious and behind in life.

She asks herself:

• “What do I want my attention to be used for?”
• “How do I want to feel at the end of the day?”

The answers highlight values like presence, learning, and real connection. Layla chooses to:

• Remove certain apps from her phone
• Set a 30-minute daily limit
• Replace late-night scrolling with reading or journaling

This is a modern example of identifying personal values and decision making in a digital world. Instead of letting algorithms decide how she spends her time, Layla lets her values lead.

The CDC notes growing concerns about mental health and screen time, especially among younger adults (cdc.gov). Aligning your tech use with your values is one practical way to protect your mental well-being.

Simple journaling prompts to identify your values

Before you can use more examples of identifying personal values and decision making in your own life, you need a clearer sense of what your values actually are.

Grab a notebook or open a notes app and try a few of these prompts. Let your answers be messy and honest.

Prompt 1: Peak moments
“Think of three moments in your life when you felt deeply proud, alive, or at peace. What were you doing? Who were you with? What values were you living in those moments?”

Prompt 2: Deal-breakers
“Think of a time you felt deeply uncomfortable or out of place. What value was being stepped on or ignored? Respect? Fairness? Freedom? Creativity?”

Prompt 3: The 80-year-old you
“Imagine you’re 80, looking back on your life. What do you hope you prioritized? What would you regret not making time for?"
The answers often point to values like love, contribution, learning, or adventure.

Prompt 4: Energy check
“Which activities leave you feeling drained? Which leave you feeling energized? What do those patterns say about your values?”

As you write, circle words that show up repeatedly. Those are often your core values.

Turning values into everyday decisions

Identifying values is powerful, but the real magic happens when you use them in daily decisions. Here’s how to turn these examples of identifying personal values and decision making into your own practice.

Step 1: Name your top 5 values (for now)

You don’t have to get them “perfect.” Based on your journaling, pick about five values that feel most alive right now. Examples include:

• Family
• Freedom
• Creativity
• Security
• Adventure
• Health
• Integrity
• Learning

Write them somewhere you’ll see often: a sticky note, phone wallpaper, or the front of your journal.

Step 2: Use the “values filter” for decisions

When you’re facing a decision, big or small, run it through this filter:

• “Which option honors my values more fully?”
• “Which option conflicts with my values?”

For instance, if one of your values is learning, you might choose a slightly lower-paying job that offers mentorship and growth. If your value is stability, you might choose the job with clearer hours and benefits.

This is how you create your own examples of identifying personal values and decision making in real time.

Step 3: Notice where your life and values don’t match

Look at different areas of your life: work, relationships, health, money, and time.

Ask yourself:

• “Where am I living my values consistently?”
• “Where am I betraying my values or putting them on hold?”

Maybe you value connection, but your calendar is full of solo work and no friend time. Or you value creativity, but you haven’t made space for any creative outlet in months.

You don’t have to fix everything at once. Start with one small shift that moves your life closer to your values.

Why values-based decisions reduce regret

People often report less regret when they make decisions aligned with their personal values, even when the outcome is uncertain or imperfect. When you can say, “I chose based on what mattered most to me,” it’s easier to live with the results.

This is one reason therapists and coaches frequently use values work as part of decision-making support. Approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for example, place a strong emphasis on clarifying values and taking action aligned with them (apa.org).

The best examples of identifying personal values and decision making aren’t about always getting what you want; they’re about feeling at peace with your choices because they reflect who you are.

Quick journaling practice: Create your own real examples

To make this practical, use this short exercise to create your own real examples of identifying personal values and decision making from your life.

In your journal, write three headings:

• “Recent Decision I Made”
• “Values I Was Honoring (or Ignoring)”
• “What I’d Like to Do Next Time”

Pick a recent decision. It could be:

• A purchase you made
• A conversation you avoided or had
• A job task you accepted or declined
• A plan you canceled or kept

Under each heading, reflect honestly. Maybe you realize you said yes to something just to avoid conflict, even though you value honesty and authenticity. That awareness is gold. It gives you a chance to create a new pattern next time.

Over time, your journal becomes a collection of examples of identifying personal values and decision making—your own personal case studies.

FAQ: Values, journaling, and real-life decisions

How do I start if I have no idea what my values are?
Begin with your emotions. Think of times you felt proud, angry, jealous, or deeply moved. Those reactions usually point to values. For instance, jealousy when someone publishes a book might point to your own value of creative expression. Use that as a starting point.

Can my values change over time?
Yes. Your core values may stay similar, but how you prioritize them can shift with life stages. For example, adventure might dominate your 20s, while stability and family take center stage in your 30s or 40s. Revisiting your values every year is a healthy habit.

What is an example of a values conflict in decision making?
A classic example is when you value both security and freedom. You might want a steady paycheck (security) and also want to travel or start your own business (freedom). Recognizing that both are real values helps you look for creative solutions—like building savings before making a big leap.

Are there examples of identifying personal values and decision making for small, everyday choices?
Absolutely. Deciding to go to bed on time instead of watching one more episode can reflect a value of health. Choosing to call a friend instead of scrolling can reflect a value of connection. The more you notice these small moments, the more aligned your life feels.

Do I need to journal every day to use my values?
No. Journaling is a helpful tool, but not a requirement. You can reflect while walking, talking with a friend, or sitting quietly for a few minutes. That said, writing your thoughts down often makes your patterns and personal examples of identifying personal values and decision making much clearer.

If you keep coming back to this simple question—“Which choice honors my values?”—you’ll slowly build a life that feels more like your own. Not perfect. Not always easy. But honest, aligned, and deeply yours.