How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Organismic Valuing

Explanations > Values > Organismic Valuing

Carl Rogers described our actualizing tendency as being an 'organismic valuing process', where we select goals based on our inner nature and purpose.

This process may include any of the following principles:

• Authenticity: Getting away from defensive superficiality and being oneself.
• Autonomy: Moving away from what you 'should' to and making your own decisions.
• Internal locus of evaluation: Judgement based on one's own view, rather than seeking the approval of others.
• Unconditional positive self-regard: Judging and accepting yourself as valuable and worthwhile, including all thoughts and emotional reactions.
• Process living: Recognising that we are in a constant state of becoming and never reach a final end point.
• Relatedness: Seeking close and deep relationships where you can truly appreciate and understand other people.
• Openness to inner and outer experience: Being able to perceive and accept how others and oneself behaves and feels.

If the process of organismic valuing is continued over time then the person will become more closely aligned with their natural values. In doing so, they will become more relaxed and at ease with their life.

So what?

Use Rogers' methods and criteria to help set goals and align with your purpose. You can also, of course, facilitate others in this process.

See also

Alignment principle

Rogers, C. R. (1964). Toward a modern approach to values: The valuing process in the mature person. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 68, 160-167.