How Close Am I to What I Value?
A simple tool to help you see what you care about most — and how close you're living to it right now.
What You'll Get By The End
- A clear picture of what matters most to you in four key life areas
- An honest view of how close you're living to those values right now
- One small, specific action to move closer to what matters
What's the Bullseye?
A simple picture of your life
Picture a target — like in darts or archery. The center is where you hit when you're living exactly the way you want to. The outer rings mean you're further away from what matters to you.
This isn't about being perfect. The Bullseye helps you see clearly where you are right now — without judgment. Just honest information so you can decide what to do next.
The Bullseye was created by Swedish psychologists Tobias Lundgren and JoAnne Dahl. It's based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which research shows helps people live more meaningful lives.
"Values are not about feeling good. They're about doing what matters."— Russ Harris, ACT Therapist and Author
How It Works
You'll look at four important areas of your life. For each one, you'll ask yourself two questions:
- What do I care about here? (Your values)
- How am I doing right now? (Your current spot on the bullseye)
Remember: There are no right or wrong answers. Your values are YOUR values. This is about figuring out what matters to you — not what other people think should matter.
Four Areas of Life
Understanding what matters in each area
The Bullseye looks at four big areas of life. Before you fill in your own, let's explore each one — with examples to help you discover what matters to you.
Values vs. Goals: Values are how you want to be, not what you want to achieve. "Being a loving partner" is a value. "Getting married" is a goal. Values are directions you walk in forever — goals are destinations you reach and check off.
1. Relationships
The people in your life — family, friends, romantic partners, coworkers, neighbors, community.
Questions to help you discover your values:
- What kind of friend do I want to be when times are hard?
- How do I want my kids (or future kids) to describe me?
- What qualities do I admire in people I love?
- When I'm at my best with others, what am I like?
Example values in this area:
2. Work & Education
Your job, school, career, learning, volunteering, or any way you spend your productive time.
Questions to help you discover your values:
- What kind of colleague would I want to work with?
- When I'm proud of my work, what made it feel good?
- If no one was watching, how would I want to do my job?
- What do I want to contribute through my work?
Example values in this area:
3. Personal Growth & Health
Taking care of your body, mind, and spirit. Physical health, mental health, learning, spirituality, self-development.
Questions to help you discover your values:
- How do I want to treat my body?
- What does taking care of myself actually look like?
- What kind of relationship do I want with myself?
- How do I want to grow as a person?
Example values in this area:
4. Leisure & Fun
Rest, play, recreation, relaxation, hobbies. The things you do just because they bring you joy.
Questions to help you discover your values:
- What did I love doing as a kid?
- When do I lose track of time?
- What would I do if I had a whole day with no obligations?
- What makes me feel alive and energized?
Example values in this area:
🤔 Still not sure what your values are?
Try these approaches:
- Think of someone you admire. What qualities do they have? Those might be your values too.
- Remember a proud moment. What were you doing? What made it feel meaningful?
- Notice what bothers you. When you're upset about something, it usually means a value is being stepped on.
- Start with the examples above. Which ones made you think "yes, that's me"? Circle those.
Remember: You don't have to pick "perfect" values. Start with what feels true right now. Values can shift over time, and you can always come back and revise them.
Fill In Your Bullseye
Time to get honest with yourself
For each area, you'll do two things: write down what you value, then mark where you are right now on a scale of 1-7.
Be honest, not hard on yourself. The goal isn't to judge yourself. It's just to see clearly. Think of it like checking a map — you need to know where you are before you can figure out where to go.
The Scale
For each area, rate yourself from 1 to 7:
- 1 = Bulls-eye! You're living exactly according to your values
- 4 = Middle of the target. Sometimes on track, sometimes not
- 7 = Outer edge. You're far from living according to these values
❤️ Relationships
Step 1: Pick or write 1-3 values that matter to you in relationships.
Circle any that resonate, or write your own below:
My relationship values (write 1-3):
Step 2: Rate where you are right now.
Be honest, not harsh. This is just information.
Living it fully
Far from it
Quick reflection: If you rated yourself 4 or higher, what's one thing getting in the way? (No judgment — just curious.)
💼 Work & Education
Step 1: Pick or write 1-3 values that matter to you at work/school.
Circle any that resonate, or write your own below:
My work/education values (write 1-3):
Step 2: Rate where you are right now.
Be honest, not harsh. This is just information.
Living it fully
Far from it
Quick reflection: If you rated yourself 4 or higher, what's one thing getting in the way?
Far from it