YFCS-3/2.2, New Oct 2001. Molly Gregg, Extension 4-H Program Specialist

Why We Buy Project How Our Values Impact What We Bu y

	Protected Under 18 U.S.C. 707

Our values are what we believe in. They show up in every aspect of our lives. For example, we spend money on things that we value, and we put our time and our energy into what we value most. A value is a choice you make from different alternatives of what you like or how you act or what you feel. Impulsive or thoughtless choices do not really lead to values. When we value something, we feel good about it and we prize it. Values flow from the choices that we are glad that we made.

Study the following values. Which are most important to you? Which are the least important? Afterwards, rank the values in the order of their importance to you. Write the quality on the line next to the corresponding number.

Values

Be a good friend	Achieve--or get done what you start doing
Be famous	Help others
Be a leader	Be healthy
Love others	Be attractive
Have a pet	Have a nice car
Honor my parents	Be in good shape
Work hard	Get a good job
Be honest	Make a lot of money
Fit in and behave like others	Have children
Be in love	Be close to my family
Be fair and just	Be creative--invent new ideas and things
Be religious	Have a strong sense of what is right and wrong
Have fun	Be powerful
Receive special attention	Be smart
Live in a nice neighborhood	Stand up for what you think is right
Serve my community	Have nice clothes
Get married	Serve my country
Have lots of friends	Be a good athlete

What values are the most important to you? (Number 1 is the most important.)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

What values are the least important to you? (Number 1 is the least important.)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

By ranking these values, what did you learn about yourself? Write in your 4-H journal about what you learned. Share what you have done with your 4-H leader or members of your family. Ask them to tell you what they have learned about you. Write about what they say in your 4-H journal.

Make a list of 10 things that you like to do. When you have finished, circle the appropriate letter that describes that thing (you can circle more than one letter).

B represents the things you like to do by yourself.

P represents the things you like to do with other people.

I represents the things you like to do indoors.

O represents the things you like to do outside.

$ represents the things you like to do that cost $10 or more.

	B	P	I	O	$
	B	P	I	O	$
	B	P	I	O	$
	B	P	I	O	$
	B	P	I	O	$
	B	P	I	O	$
	B	P	I	O	$
	B	P	I	O	$
	B	P	I	O	$
	B	P	I	O	$

What can you learn about yourself from this activity? Do you like spending most of your time alone or doing things with other people? Do you like to spend your time indoors or outdoors? Do the things you like to do cost you or your family money? (Remember, no one way is better than another way. The goal of this activity is for you to learn more about yourself and what you value.)

More to Do

• Make a list in your 4-H journal of ways to have fun with your family that do not require money.
• Make a list in your 4-H journal of ways to have fun with your family that do require money.
• Make a list in your 4-H journal of ways you could earn money to do some of the things that your family would like to do together that do cost money.