Motivation and Values Test: what it measures and how to read it

Understanding what deeply motivates us is essential in order to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. This test explores four fundamental dimensions: your intrinsic motivation, the alignment between your values and your actions, the meaning you give to your work and your overall level of engagement. By identifying your internal drivers and checking their consistency with your current way of life, you will be able to make decisions that are more aligned with who you truly are.

In the article that follows, I explore the big personality traits. If you recognise yourself in this theme, I designed a Big Five (OCEAN) test that helps you take stock of your five main personality traits. It comes with a guide to extend your reflection beyond the results.

What the test measures

• The inner strength that pushes you to act out of pleasure, curiosity and personal interest rather than obligation.
• The degree of consistency between your deep values and your everyday life choices.
• The sense of purpose and contribution you draw from your professional activity.
• Your level of emotional and behavioural investment across the different spheres of your life.

How to interpret your score

The result reads as an intensity, not as a diagnosis:

• Motivation and values to clarify: You are currently experiencing a lack of motivation and clarity about your values. This result may indicate a period of transition or of questioning.
• Motivation and values in development: Your sources of motivation and your values are beginning to take shape but still require work on clarification and alignment.
• Good motivation and clear values: You have a good understanding of your values and your sources of motivation. Your life is broadly aligned with what matters to you.
• Powerful motivation and aligned values: Your motivation is strong and deeply rooted in your values. You live a coherent, committed life that gives you a sense of fulfilment.

What your full report contains

The detailed PDF report (from €2.99) includes:

• Introduction: This report presents the results of your assessment of motivation and values. Understanding your internal drivers and the consistency between your values and your way of life is essential in order to build a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
• Overall Score: Your overall score reflects the level of alignment between your deep aspirations, your values and the way you live day to day.
• Dimension-by-Dimension Analysis: Motivation and values are expressed through several interconnected dimensions. Here is the detailed analysis of your results.
• Recommendations: Four steps to clarify and activate your values: (1) Identifying deep values — ACT exercise: if magic solved all your problems tomorrow, how would you live differently? A card set of 50 values (autonomy, creativity, family, contribution, learning, beauty, justice, etc.). Select your top 5. (2) Distinguishing values from goals (Hayes) — values are directions (a compass), always active; goals are destinations that can be reached. "Being a loving parent" (value) vs "Spending 2 hours a day with my children" (goal). (3) Aligned daily commitment — every day, one micro-action aligned with a priority value. Keep a "values calendar": what did I do today in line with my values? Tool: Russ Harris's "Bullseye Worksheet". (4) Accepting discomfort (ACT) — living according to your values often involves short-term discomfort (saying no, telling the truth, changing course). Motivation follows action, not the other way around. If you feel chronically disconnected from your values (the impression of living a life that is not yours): life coaching or ACT with a therapist. If you have dark thoughts: 3114 (France, free, anonymous; elsewhere findahelpline.com).
• Resources: Motivation and values clarification are at the heart of positive psychology and ACT therapy. Theoretical frameworks: Edward Deci & Richard Ryan (Self-Determination Theory, SDT — 3 basic needs: autonomy, competence, relatedness; distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation), Carol Dweck ("Mindset"), Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi ("Flow"), Russ Harris ("The Happiness Trap", practical ACT). ACT frameworks (Steven Hayes, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): values as chosen directions (vs achievable goals), the "Sweet Spot" exercise (living according to your values), daily commitment. Tools: Valued Living Questionnaire (Wilson), Personal Values Questionnaire (Schwartz). To go further: "Drive" by Daniel Pink (autonomy, mastery, purpose), Viktor Frankl ("Man's Search for Meaning" — the quest for existential meaning).

The first 5 questions are free; the full, personalised report (your precise score, your dimension profile, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

• You recognise yourself in motivation, values, meaning and want to see things clearly.
• You want a structured reading rather than a vague impression.
• You are looking for an objective starting point before talking to a professional if needed.

Take the test: Motivation and Values → — 60 questions, anonymous, PDF report (€2.99). 🔗 Analyse your conversations with ScanMyLove — an objective, structured look at the communication patterns in your relationship.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 60 questions, around 15 min. The test has 60 questions. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and provides reference points; only a professional can make a diagnosis. Are my answers confidential? Yes: the test is 100% anonymous and the report is delivered directly to you.

---

👉 Start the Motivation and Values test → — 60 questions, immediate result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.