Expand Your Thinking | Define Your Northstar | Set Your Own Standards


STEP 1: Vision

You can’t be what you can’t see so it’s time to expand your thinking and create a vision that excites you, that keeps you on track, especially when you experience bumps in the road.


Start with reflecting on the questions from the worksheets and set up a mood board on Pinterest. Expand your vision to not only your activities that light you up but also how you want to feel everyday, where you want to spend time with, with whom, add brands, leaders and authorities that inspire you as well as that you identify with. Consider all aspects of your life, your profession, your personal + professional relationships, your physical and mental health, your financial situation and your overall way of living.

 

STEP 2: MISSION

Impactful brands reputation comes from the mission they’re committed to do. They are built on trust which is the result of promise = performance (aka: doing what they say they’ll do).

To earn the reputation that you’re proud of and you' want to be associated with, you must be clear on what you’re committed to.

VISION = FUTURE

MISSION = PRESENT

DAILY ACTIONS + FOLLOW THROUGH = PATHWAY

 
 

EXAMPLES:

"To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be." — Oprah Winfrey

"To have fun in [my] journey through life and learn from [my] mistakes." — Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group

“I shall not fear anyone on Earth. I shall fear only God. I shall not bear ill will toward anyone. I shall not submit to injustice from anyone. I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.” — Mahatma Gandhi

“To make people happy.” — Walt Disney

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” —Maya Angelou

STEP 3: VALUES

Values exist, whether you recognise them or not. Life can be much easier and more enjoyable when you clarify and live by your values.

If you value family, but you have to work 70-hour weeks in your job, will you feel internal stress and conflict? And if you don't value competition, and you work in a highly competitive sales environment, are you likely to be satisfied with your job?

In these types of situations, understanding your values can really help. When you know your own values, you can use them to make decisions about how to live your life, and you can answer questions like these:

  • Where and how can I create the most value with?

  • Is this promotion the right fit for me?

  • What’s more aligned - own business or contributing to organisation?

  • What are must have’s for me to be and do my best?

  • Who resonates with me more and why?

  • What type of situations, tasks, people and environments charge and which ones drain me?