Book excerpt: Life is often busy, demanding and full of challenges that can cause us to lose sight of what really matters. The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Journal is designed to help individuals to focus on the things that are most important to them by identifying personal values and putting them centre-stage where they can best guide actions and decisions. Taking the form of a 12-week course of structured self-development, with ACT-informed guidance, reflection exercises, goal-setting tasks and inspirational quotations throughout, it is especially helpful for those currently engaged in ACT and other forms of brief therapy and/or coaching. However, the principles and lessons are relevant to anyone seeking to increase their personal wellbeing and build psychological flexibility - the ability to connect fully with experiences, including difficult thoughts and feelings, and pursue an authentic life.