Personal Values Card Sort (ACT) – Free Online Tool
A calm, guided exercise to reconnect with what you stand for—adapted from research-backed tools in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and motivational interviewing.
Built by Dr. Jenny Shields, psychologist & healthcare ethicist. No logins. No tracking.
If you’re exploring ways to better understand your core values and live a life that feels authentic to you, you’ve come to the right place.
This Personal Values Card Sort Tool, adapted from the original work of W.R. Miller and colleagues, is frequently used in ACT, motivational interviewing, and values-based coaching—and it’s free, with no sign-up required.
How to Use This Values Card Sort
Sort Your Values
Drag & drop (or tap on mobile) each value card into the four categories.
Identify Core Values
When you’re done sorting, you’ll refine your “Most Important” list.
Reflect
Answer brief prompts about what’s present, what’s neglected, and one action you can take.
Download Your Summary
Print or save a personalized PDF of your results for future reference.
Remaining values to sort: 50
Least Important
These matter the least to you right now.
0/10 sorted
Somewhat Important
They matter occasionally, but aren’t core drivers.
0/15 sorted
Very Important
These values show up in how you lead, live, and relate.
0/15 sorted
Most Important
Your non-negotiables. The values you protect fiercely.
0/10 sorted
Tip: Tap a card below to sort it.
Available Values
Step 2: Select Your Core Values
From your “Most Important” pile below, click to select the 5–10 values that feel most essential in this season of your life.
Select at least 5 values to continue.
Step 3: Reflect on Your Values
This is where clarity turns into action. Below are your chosen core values. Your responses are private and stored locally on your device only.
Feeling Stuck?
If you found this process helpful but feel stuck on how to put these values into practice, you’re not alone. If you’d like support, you can learn more about working with Dr. Shields.
“Hide Available Values” toggles the list of unsorted cards. “Start Over” clears your board.
Living Your Values: What’s Next?
Clarifying your values is a powerful first step. The next is to bring them to life. Here are a few ways to start:
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Schedule It
Block 15 minutes in your calendar this week for an activity that honors one of your core values. Even small, intentional actions create momentum.
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Use It as a Compass
When facing a difficult decision, pull out your values summary. Ask: “Which choice aligns most closely with the person I want to be?”
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Communicate Them
Consider sharing one of your core values with a trusted friend, partner, or therapist. Speaking it aloud can make it more real and invite accountability.
Additional Research & Resources
Academic foundations and applied theory behind this values card sort.
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Miller et al. (2001) – Personal Values Card Sort
Original values sort tool frequently used in MI and ACT-based interventions.
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Berkout et al. (2021) – NIH Review on Values Clarification
Peer-reviewed review of values clarification mechanisms/outcomes.
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ACT Mindfully – Russ Harris
Training materials, worksheets, and metaphors from a leading ACT educator.
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Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)
Official site for MI education and research on behavior change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a values card sort?
A values card sort is a simple, structured exercise used in therapy, coaching, and personal growth to clarify what matters most. By sorting values into categories based on personal importance, individuals identify their internal compass — the qualities they want to guide their lives.
How does ACT use values to support therapy?
In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), values are the guiding life directions that help people move toward meaning — even through pain or uncertainty. Values card sorts help clients reflect on what they want their lives to stand for, which supports committed, values-based action.
Why is clarifying values helpful for burnout and decision fatigue?
When you’re burned out, it’s easy to feel untethered. Clarifying core values helps you move from reaction to intention. It reduces internal conflict, supports values-aligned boundaries, and reconnects you with your “why.”
Who is this values card sort for?
High-performing professionals, therapists, healthcare workers, and anyone navigating burnout, decision fatigue, or ethical complexity. It’s also widely used by ACT practitioners and coaches.
Is this tool based on real research?
Yes. Adapted from the original Personal Values Card Sort (Miller et al., 2001), informed by ACT (Hayes et al.) and motivational interviewing (Miller & Rollnick).
How was this version developed?
Created by Dr. Jenny Shields, a licensed psychologist and certified healthcare ethicist — evidence-based design with clinical warmth, no login or tracking.
What You Do With This Clarity Is Up to You
You’ve taken an important step toward living with more integrity, meaning, and direction. Whether you’re navigating burnout, transition, or simply reconnecting with yourself — returning to your values is always a wise and courageous move.
If you’d like support applying this clarity to your work, relationships, or life decisions, Dr. Shields offers private therapy and consultation grounded in ACT, ethics, and deep clinical experience.