CoreValues.Guide unifies established lines of research into one guided process. Here is what the method is built on, how each part is used, and what the research shows - each with a direct link to the source.
The method unifies established research. Here is each part, how the guide applies it, and the source.
ACT separates values (directions you live by) from goals (things you achieve), then builds committed action outward from those values. The guide makes exactly this distinction, and its whole arc turns one chosen value into a concrete, committed action.
"Values are chosen qualities of purposive action that can never be obtained as an object but can be instantiated moment by moment."Hayes et al. (2006), Behaviour Research and Therapy
The guide's discovery flow - pick from a seeded set, prize what matters, and narrow to a small core you would defend - mirrors how counselling and therapy elicit values, from the values-clarification tradition to the motivational-interviewing card sort.
"We need always to be on the lookout for ways to elicit values in an accepting, convenient way."Harmin and Simon (1967), Educational Leadership
SDT distinguishes doing something because it is truly yours from doing it under outside pressure. The guide steers you toward values you hold for their own sake and actions you would actually enjoy, so effort comes from within.
"Identification reflects a conscious valuing of a behavioral goal or regulation, such that the action is accepted or owned as personally important."Ryan and Deci (2000), American Psychologist
Specific goals you are committed to beat vague good intentions. The guide narrows everything down to one clear, specific action you commit to, rather than a general resolution to do better.
"Specific, difficult goals consistently led to higher performance than urging people to do their best."Locke and Latham (2002), American Psychologist
An if-then plan that ties a specific cue to a specific response makes follow-through far more likely. The guide shapes your action as a cue-and-behavior plan, then writes if-then plans for the obstacles that could get in the way.
"Implementation intentions ... link anticipated critical situations to goal-directed responses ('Whenever situation x arises, I will initiate the goal-directed response y!')."Gollwitzer (1999), American Psychologist
Lasting change runs on a feedback loop: set a standard, notice the gap, act to close it, and review. The whole guide is built as that loop - your Core Value is the standard, and each part returns on a schedule so you keep adjusting.
"If a discrepancy is perceived between the present state and the reference value, a behavior is performed (output function), the goal of which is to reduce the discrepancy."Carver and Scheier (1982), Psychological Bulletin
Living by your values is linked to real outcomes. Each finding below is supported by published research.
Achieving goals. When a goal reflects what genuinely matters to you, it is far easier to stay with it and see it through.
Sheldon and Elliot - Self-Concordance ModelLasting satisfaction. Reaching goals that fit your values brings a deeper, longer-lasting satisfaction than hitting ones that never really mattered to you.
Sheldon and Houser-Marko - Goal Attainment and the Pursuit of HappinessA sense of purpose. People with a clear sense of purpose tend to stay healthier as the years go on.
Hill and Turiano - Purpose in Life as a Predictor of MortalitySteadier under pressure. Coming back to what matters to you eases the pressure of stressful moments, so they knock you off course less.
Creswell et al. - Affirmation of Personal Values Buffers StressClearer thinking. When you are stretched thin and short on time, staying close to your values helps you think clearly and solve problems better.
Creswell et al. - Self-Affirmation Improves Problem-Solving Under StressWork that fits. When your work lines up with your values, you enjoy it more and feel far less pull to leave.
Kristof-Brown et al. - Meta-Analysis of Person-Organization FitChange that sticks. Rooting a change in your own values makes you more open to it, and far more likely to actually follow through.
Epton et al. - Self-Affirmation and Health-Behavior ChangeLearning and growth. A few minutes spent reflecting on your values has helped people focus better and do better at difficult tasks.
Miyake et al. - Values Affirmation and the Achievement GapFree first module
