Not your typical vision statementExploring the BIG questions in career and lifeI had to hunch down to see in the white framed mirror attached to my dresser. I was 16 now. Far too old for this little girl dresser. The black backing of the mirror was showing through. But that’s not where I was gazing. I was peering deeper than that. I was peering deep into my own eyes. Beyond the blue/green iris. Beyond the growing pupil. Searching. Asking, who are you…really?
Seconds passed. So slowly. And snap. I was back in the room. Looking shallowly at the old mirror. The pimples on my chin. The permed, back-combed hairdo that was so important to my 16-year old ego. My glimpse on the inside was over.
Have you ever glimpsed inside yourself? Peered deeply into your own eyes and asked Who are you? This is akin to writing a vision statement for your company. Only much, much more personal. And in the process, much more impactful. If you want to lead your career…lead your life…it’s time to get clear on your vision of who you are and who you want to be.
It’s been nearly 20 years since I stood in front of that white framed mirror attached to the little-girl dresser. Since then I have peered in again. Not often. Adult life, entrepreneurship and parenthood don’t allow a lot of navel-gazing-time (let alone lingering moments peering into the mirror of my soul). But it happens.
And it still shakes me.
So if you’re ready to shake it up, answer these. Jot your answers down or talk to a friend, colleague or coach about them:
- Who do you want to emulate? Think of people you admire. They might be famous. Or they might be in your life.
- What about them do you aspire to be like? Perhaps it’s how they move, talk, carry themselves or make decisions. Get specific.
- Now look inside: how and when do you already behave like them? We rarely admire someone without already having a tiny bit of that characteristic within us.
Two weeks ago I asked these questions of a client. He listed a few political leaders, colleagues and family members. He doesn’t want to literally BECOME any of those people. But he does want to carry himself like a few of them. He wants to move with purpose. And in clarifying that he’s tapped into strength he didn’t realize he had.
You have that strength within you. You have a vision within you. Pause – look deep inside – answer those questions and get clear about who you want to be. That’s the access point to see who you really are…already. Some call it your core gifts, or your purpose, or your vision. THAT is what we need to grow. That unique character within.
I’ve always been fascinated by the big questions. The tough questions. The ‘who are you?’ questions. I ask them of clients, audiences, and readers. And I ask them of myself. Be bold enough to ask and you’ll discover one BIG gem!
When you do, focus on that one gem. Act on that one. Focus on one….act on one. Just one BIG gem! This is the year to stop trying to be who you want to be, and start doing it! (yes...that's a Yoda-ism)
Want more BIG gems? Read Rhonda's most recent blog posts - "who am I aspiring to be?" AND "magic idea machine"
Rare opportunity to see Rhonda present in her home city of Kelowna, BC on March 2, 2010. As part of the OSTEC Thrive vs Survive series. Click here for details on our events page.
Email: Info@RhondaVictoor.com
Phone: 250.712.0085
Web: www.RhondaVictoor.com
Check out our new Blog - Twitter - Facebook pages |
|
|
