Values compass check: is this action moving toward or away?
Before committing to a behavior, ask whether it moves toward or away from your stated values.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Before committing to a behavior, ask whether it moves toward or away from your stated values.
- Why it works: Much behavior is driven by avoidance — doing what reduces discomfort right now even when it conflicts with long-term values. The toward/away distinction makes the functional purpose of behavior conscious: am I doing this because it matters or because it avoids something difficult? When away-moves are identified without judgment, they create choice rather than compulsion.
- Evidence: Backed by observational / correlational evidence.
- Avoid: Using the check as a self-punishment tool ("another away-move — I’m so avoidant") rather than a navigational instrument that gives information without verdict.
Why it works
Much behavior is driven by avoidance — doing what reduces discomfort right now even when it conflicts with long-term values. The toward/away distinction makes the functional purpose of behavior conscious: am I doing this because it matters or because it avoids something difficult? When away-moves are identified without judgment, they create choice rather than compulsion.
How to do it
- 1For a planned behavior or a behavior you just completed, ask: "Was this toward what matters, or away from something uncomfortable?"
- 2Label honestly — both toward and away-moves are normal; the point is conscious clarity, not guilt.
- 3If an away-move is identified, ask: "What toward-move is available in this same situation?"
- 4Practice this check daily for one week, tracking the ratio.
What the evidence says
ObservationalThe toward/away framework operationalizes approach vs. avoidance motivation, a well- studied distinction in motivational psychology. Approach motivation predicts better wellbeing and performance; avoidance motivation predicts higher anxiety and rigid behavior patterns.
Honest caveat: The approach/avoidance distinction has strong support; the ACT toward/away compass check as a specific daily practice has not been independently trialed.
- — Elliot & Covington (2001), approach and avoidance motivation, Educational Psychology Review
Common mistake
Using the check as a self-punishment tool ("another away-move — I’m so avoidant") rather than a navigational instrument that gives information without verdict.
IX Coach asks the toward/away question at each check-in, building a longitudinal view of whether your daily behavior is trending toward or away from your stated values over time.
Practice this with IX Coach →