Values Bullseye, Made Practical
Translating abstract values into a concrete map of where to move next
What is the ACT values bullseye and how do you use it to live by your values?
The values bullseye, developed by Tobias Lundgren within the ACT framework, is a visual exercise in which you rate how close your current behavior is to the bullseye in four life domains — work, relationships, personal growth, and leisure. It converts abstract values into a concrete gap-analysis, making it easier to choose one committed action that moves you toward the center. The exercise is part of the established ACT toolkit; direct evidence for the instrument is limited but the underlying ACT framework has substantial support.
Most values exercises end at naming the value. The bullseye goes further: it shows you the gap between the life you want and the life you are living — domain by domain — so you can choose one concrete step that closes it. Developed by Tobias Lundgren as part of ACT-based work, it is now widely used in ACT therapy, coaching, and sports psychology. The practices below walk through how to use it well, what the mechanism is, and where the evidence is honest.
Practices
- Map your values across the four life domains
Write one core value statement for each domain — work, relationships, personal growth, leisure — before touching the bullseye.
- Rate your current position in each domain
Mark on each domain’s bullseye how closely your recent behavior has matched the value — honestly.
- Choose one domain to move toward the bullseye this week
Pick the domain where a small move would matter most — not the most important one in the abstract.
- Turn the chosen domain into a committed action
Convert the domain insight into a concrete, timed, values-linked behavior — not a vague intention.
- Review the bullseye weekly to track real movement
Re-mark each domain every week and compare — small outward or inward shifts are your feedback loop.
- Use the bullseye to resolve competing values
When two values pull in different directions, the bullseye shows you which domain is most neglected and most in need of attention.
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Related concepts
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Made Practical
The core ACT processes, the mechanisms behind them, and an honest read on the evidence
- Committed Action, Made Practical
The practices that turn values from intentions into a lived life
- Values Clarification, Made Practical
Card sorts, ranking, and value-consistent action — with an honest read on the evidence