Set your values intentionally as you enter a new phase of life

You're stood at a threshold: new job, new relationship, new decade, or just a deliberate clean start. The default is to drag old assumptions along without thinking. This exercise has you name the new chapter, sort what served you from what didn't, and set values on purpose. Good for anyone who wants the next phase to run on choices rather than habit.

This exercise is for anyone standing at a threshold: starting a new role, a new relationship, a new decade, or simply a deliberate fresh start. It asks you to set values consciously rather than carry forward assumptions.

Step 1: Name the new chapter you are entering. Describe it in two or three sentences: what is changing, and what is the opportunity in that change?

Step 2: What values served you well in the last chapter? List them. Acknowledge what they gave you.

Step 3: What values from the last chapter are you ready to leave behind, loosen, or hold more lightly? These might include values that were useful in a previous context but no longer fit who you are becoming.

Step 4: What values do you want to lead with in this new chapter, whether or not you've fully lived them before? These might be aspirational: values you are choosing to grow into.

Step 5: For each new or aspirational value, write: 'In this chapter, this value will show up as...' Make it concrete and behavioural, not abstract.

Step 6: What is one decision you will face soon in this new chapter? How do your chosen values guide that decision?

Step 7: Write a single sentence that you could return to as a compass for this phase: 'In this chapter, I am someone who...'