Terminal vs. Instrumental Values
Some values describe where you’re going. Others describe how you’ll get there. Knowing the difference helps you set a meaningful direction and choose daily actions that actually move you toward it.
What are terminal values?
Terminal values are your ultimate life goals—ends you care about for their own sake. Think: happiness, wisdom, peace, love, contribution, freedom, justice, health, legacy.
These are the destinations on your inner map. They answer: “Why does my life matter to me?”
Examples:
| Freedom | Happiness |
| Self-esteem | Universal Peace |
| Love | Beauty |
| A stimulating life | Pleasure |
| A comfortable life | Egality |
| Family, safety, and security | Self-realization |
| Friendship | Inner harmony |
| Social recognition | National security |
| Wisdom |
What are instrumental (behavioral) values?
Instrumental values are the ways you behave to reach your terminal values. Examples: courage, honesty, creativity, discipline, kindness, curiosity, persistence, humility.
These are the routes and driving habits. They answer: “How will I travel?”
Examples:
| Loving | Supportive |
| Independent | Forgiving |
| Skilled | Logical |
| Open-minded | Joyful |
| Intellectual | Self-controlled |
| Honest | Courageous |
| Responsible | Educated |
| Ambitious | Obedient |
| Creative |
Why this distinction changes your day
When you confuse the two, you either chase ends with no reliable means, or perform means with no inspiring end. Clarity gives you both: a motivating “why” and practical “how.”
Examples that make it concrete
Terminal: Peace → Instrumental: Boundaries + Simplicity
Say less yes. Protect white space on your calendar.Terminal: Wisdom → Instrumental: Curiosity + Reflection
Ask better questions. Journal for five minutes nightly.Terminal: Love/Belonging → Instrumental: Kindness + Honesty
Share appreciations. Make clear, specific requests.Terminal: Freedom → Instrumental: Discipline + Frugality
Time-box deep work. Track one spending category.
Try it: 15-minute values mapping
List 3 terminal values (the end goals that feel most alive to you right now).
For each, pick 2 instrumental values (behaviors) that would reliably move you toward it.
Translate behaviors into actions you can do this week (≤10 minutes each).
Schedule one rep per action (put them on your calendar).
Run a quick nightly check: “Did I live my instrumental values today? What changed?”
Why this works: Ends without means stay abstract. Means without ends feel empty. Pairing both turns meaning into movement.
Common pitfalls (and fixes)
Vague words → define one observable behavior for each instrumental value.
Too many values → focus on 3 terminal and 4–6 instrumental so choices stay simple.
All-or-nothing → use first reps (10 minutes) and iterate weekly.
Reflection
Which terminal value would most improve your life if you pursued it this month?
Which two instrumental values best serve that destination right now?
What single behavior will you repeat daily to make it real?
What to remember
Terminal values set your direction. Instrumental values shape your daily practice. Choose both on purpose, translate them into small actions, and let repetition align your life from the ground up.
— Sandro Formica, PhD
Founder of Permanently Happy (questions at [email protected])
Keynote Speaker | Transforming Leaders & Organizations Through Positive Leadership & Personal Branding | Director, Chief Happiness Officer Certificate Program
Happiness Fundamentals | Needs | Values | Talents & Skills | Thoughts & Beliefs | Emotions | Empathetic Communication | Imagination | Life Purpose | Life Plan