Feel what is here. Notice where you are. Choose what matters.
The ACT Hexaflex
Six connected processes. One flexible system.
The points are not a ladder and there is no perfect order. Open a process to see what it means, an everyday example, when it can help and one small practice.
02
Do what matters
Values
Choose qualities of action that make life meaningful to you.
Introduction
Values are freely chosen qualities of ongoing action—ways you want to show up—rather than achievements to complete or rules you must obey.
Everyday example
“Being a caring friend” is a value direction. “Call Sam on Thursday” is a goal that can express it. Completing the call does not finish the value of caring.
When to use it
You feel lost, avoidant, over-controlled or unsure which discomfort is worth making room for.
Small practice
Complete the sentence: “In this situation, I want to be someone who is…” Choose one quality, not an outcome.
Values-based living
A direction—not a destination or a score.
ValueCaring
An ongoing quality of action. It can guide many different behaviours and is never finally completed.
→GoalCall my sister on Sunday
A specific outcome or action that can express caring and can be completed.
≠RuleI must always put others first
A rigid demand. It may sound value-like while reducing choice, flexibility and self-care.
Guided values discovery
Not sure what matters yet? Start with a wider sort.
Explore 48 possible directions, keep the words that create some energy, then narrow them into a three-value compass. There are no correct choices and nothing is saved.
1
Discover
Notice words that create a pull, warmth or sense of “I want more of this.”
2
Narrow
Choose what you would still care about when it asks something difficult of you.
3
Embody
Turn one direction into behaviour. A value becomes visible in how you act.
01
Remember: When have you felt quietly proud of how you showed up?
02
Notice: What unfairness or absence hurts because something matters underneath?
03
Imagine: If nobody applauded or judged you, what would you still want to stand for?
Step 1 · Discover0/12 on your shortlist
RelationshipsHow I want to connect
6 values
Care for selfHow I want to care for this life
6 values
Learning & growthHow I want to keep developing
6 values
Work & contributionHow I want to contribute
6 values
Community & fairnessHow I want to take part
6 values
Creativity & playHow I want to explore and express
6 values
Meaning & inner lifeHow I want to meet life
6 values
Life directionHow I want to shape daily life
6 values
Use the choice point
Notice the pull. Choose the direction.
Away moves are understandable actions that take you from the life you want when they run the show. Toward moves are behaviours that embody a value in this context—even when discomfort travels with you.
When something difficult shows up
Away moves
Avoid, attack, over-control, give up, numb or obey a thought automatically.
Short-term relief may come with a longer-term cost.
PauseWhat is here?What matters?What is workable?
With the same discomfort present
Toward moves
Connect, set a boundary, repair, practise, rest deliberately or take one honest step.
The action is guided by a chosen quality, not by feeling ready.
Committed action
Turn one value into one visible behaviour.
Keep the step small enough to begin. ACT does not require confidence first; willingness can mean carrying some discomfort while you move.
1Choose a direction.
2Name a behaviour.
3Make it specific.
4Plan for what may show up.
Carry values into daily life
Choose what the next action needs.
Your values plan can become momentum, a different relationship with thoughts, or a more realistic use of time.
A flexible guide—not a demand to be flexible perfectly.
ACT processes overlap and are often taught experientially. A clinician may use different language, metaphors or sequencing based on your needs and context.