If you have taken your Barrett Values personal values assessment (and if you haven't, you really should stop reading this and take it now) you may have seen some values represented as red dots on your report.

These red dots are called potentially limiting values. So, what is a potentially limiting value?

It is important to be aware of your potentially limiting values and to consider how they show up for you and the impact they have on your life. These are values that can represent your fears about being able to meet your needs at the first three levels of the Barrett Model.

Level One - Viability

Limiting values at this level are linked to your fears about not being able to meet your needs for financial stability, safety and security. The underlying fear at this level is the fear of not having enough. Limiting values that can show up at this level include control, greed and manipulation.

Level Two - Relationships

Limiting values at this level are linked to your fears about not being able to meet your needs for love, connection and acceptance. The underlying fear at this level is the fear of not being loved. Limiting values that can show up at this level include blame, being liked and competition.

Level Three - Performance

Limiting values at this level are linked to your fears about not being able to meet your needs for respect, achievement and recognition. The underlying fear at this level is the fear of not being good enough. Limiting values that can show up at this level include status, power and self-image.

Common questions we get about the potentially limiting values

Are they a bad thing?

Not necessarily. You may have a perfectly healthy expression of the value and it is not a concern for you in your life at all. This is just a report and you should interpret it for yourself with an open mind and heart. Only you can say for yourself whether this is really limiting you and it is something you want to address.

How do I 'fix' them?

For most people they will need to work on their potentially limiting values if they are looking to open themselves up to the higher levels of consciousness on the Barrett model. For example, it will be challenging to fully embrace the expression of your authentic self (level 5) if you are very concerned about being liked and what others think of you (level 2). Similarly, you will not be overly concerned about collaboration and creating opportunities for all (level 6) if you are worried about meeting your own needs for having enough (level 1). Finally, if you have fears about not being good enough and act in a way to build your personal power (level 3) you will not be open to thinking about making a positive impact for the world and future generations (level 7).

You can see here how the first three levels of the Barrett Model are connected to the top three levels. If you are stuck at a higher level, the answer may well be in your fears and limiting beliefs at the corresponding lower levels. We work in coaching with our clients to uncover the beliefs around their limiting values and create new patterns of through and behaviour that support their personal development goals.

You can also engage in self-reflection around your own limiting values without the help of a coach. Use these questions to consider your limiting values more deeply.

• How does this value show up in your life/work?
  
• What thought patterns do you notice that come up for you around this value?
  
• Are these thoughts helpful or unhelpful?
  
• What impact do your behaviours have on your family/friends/colleagues/performance/well-being?
  
• What feelings do you have about this value?
  
• What would you like to be different?
  

Does everyone have limiting values?

Not everyone will have limiting values that show up in their top 10 report. That doesn't mean they aren't present in that person, they are just not one of the top 10 priorities for that person. A limiting value may still impact a person even if it isn't showing up on their report. You may also have had a limiting value in the past that you have since worked to resolve or has disappeared over time.

If you would like to discuss your report and potentially limiting values with us you can reach us at connect@sevenlevels.me