01/16/2026
In our work with professional artists and creatives we often encounter the pain and confusion caused by conflicting advice from mentors, business/legal advisors, peers and collaborators. One thing that can happen in the face of conflicting advice is getting stuck in nonaction, stalling forward movement and realization of vision. Further, getting clear about values is a key factor in longer term fulfillment. Gaps in fulfillment are often connected to values incongruence - going along with a project to honor a commitment made or financial stability may be necessary at times but can leave a void in meaning. A helpful ACT tool in navigating these circumstances is values clarification. From every location, there are multiple paths forward – any number of them valid. The clearer one’s values are, the easier it is to assess different paths and choose actions that are effective and ultimately fulfilling.
Below is an exercise to help with values clarification in the face of conflicting input. During the exercise, pay special attention to the Authority vs. Alignment Check section – advice and input that is not tailored for your particular career stage, life circumstances, and resources can contribute to getting stuck and feeling mentally blocked or lead to despair and hopelessness. At Kav Counseling, we believe that creative fulfillment is possible from any life circumstance and is achieved through manageable steps in the right direction.
