Permanently Happy

Most people never take the time to ask themselves what truly matters — and yet, their emotions are always trying to answer that question.

This quiz isn’t about labeling yourself. It’s about listening to yourself.

Take 5–10 quiet minutes. Grab a notebook and start writing.

Step 1: Think About When You Felt Most Fulfilled
 
Identify 5 moments when you felt deeply fulfilled, proud, at peace, or fully yourself. These can be big events — or small, quiet memories. Of each one ask:

• What were you doing?
• Who were you with?
• Why did it matter so much?

Step 2: Identify What Makes You Angry or Upset

Values aren’t just revealed by joy—they’re also revealed by frustration.

Identify 5 moments when you were feeling angry, disappointed, or deeply upset, ask the same three questions above:

• What were you doing?
• Who were you with?
• Why did it matter so much?

Step 3: Discover Your Values

Now look back at what you wrote. What needs, values, or inner principles were being honored in your moments of fulfillment?
And which were being violated in your moments of upset? 

Use the following value lists as inspiration:

Terminal values (what matters most to you)

Inner peace	Meaning	Belonging	Adventure	Recognition
Love	Growth	Success	Security	Spirituality
Freedom	Happiness	Contribution	Creativity	Wisdom

Instrumental values (How you move through life)

Honesty	Discipline	Perseverance	Assertiveness	Responsibility
Courage	Curiosity	Flexibility	Gratitude	Open-mindedness
Kindness	Patience	Empathy	Forgiveness	Optimism

Step 4: Narrow It Down to Your Top 5

From your list, highlight the 5 values that feel non-negotiable.

Ask yourself:

• Would I still choose this value if no one praised me for it?
• Have I made sacrifices for this value in the past?
  
  

Step 5: Define What They Look Like in Action

Don’t just name a value like “integrity”—write what it means to you:

• “For me, integrity means doing the right thing even when it’s inconvenient.”
• “For me, creativity means making space every week to build something new.”

Step 6: Final Reflection

What's one thing this reflection revealed about your current life, relationships, or direction?

It's ok if the answers feel uncomfortable, you don't have to act on them right away. Knowledge is the first step towards building a life that's truly yours.

If this exercise opened something up for you, you’re not alone. The Permanently Happy course was designed to help you go even deeper — with tools to realign your life around what truly matters.

Start Your Journey >

Core values are the principles that define who you are and what matters most. They serve as your inner compass, guiding your choices, relationships, career, and behavior—whether you realize it or not.

When your values are unclear:

• You feel torn between decisions
• You live by others’ expectations
• You experience internal conflict

When your values are clear:

• Your decisions feel more aligned
• Your life gains meaning and direction
• You feel more confident in your path

“Clarity around your values makes even the hardest decisions feel obvious.” — Sandro Formica