More than 500 people are involved in the Purpose Challenge, having taken the Purpose Assessment on my website and then committing to improve their score 15 points by December 31. Are you one of the 500? If not, there is still time. Take the Assessment and then catch up with the Memos from the last six weeks, all of which are being written with the express purpose of helping you improve your score. If you have taken the Challenge, how is your journaling going? We devoted the last two Memos to journaling and this week I have an assignment that is perfect for your new journaling discipline.
I am regularly asked one question when I teach on goals or productivity: “There are so many things I want to do and feel like I need to do - how can I find the time to do them?” My answer is that you cannot find time; you already have all the time there is -- 24 hours every day. Often you must stop doing something before you can do the things you need or would like to do. I have found that a key is to clarify your values and then allow your goals and daily tasks to flow out of your values system. Let me give you an example.
FINISHING SCHOOL
One of my ten values is that “I am a learner.” I don’t want to stop learning or I will stop growing as a leader and person. Since learning is a value, I set a goal every year to read or listen to five books every month. So far this year, I have finished 40 books. Do you see how my goal isn't something I have to do; it's something I choose to do? It is like brushing my teeth; I read every day because it is important to me. I don't even have to think about it.
And now I endured a grueling class schedule and study program to earn an advanced degree at the age of 60, for which I am finishing my class project as I write this. Why would I do this? I do it because it's a value. What's more, I do it because I love it.
WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO YOU?
This week I want you to work on your values and put on paper what is most important to you. I want you to look at those values and in the coming weeks you will see if those are only words or if you can translate them into action. Here is how to get started.
- Below I have uploaded the article “How to Define Your Governing Values." This article is an actual chapter from my book, So Many Leaders, So Little Leadership and also includes my updated values from April, 2010. (If you already have that book, refer to chapter two.) Read through the article to get an idea of how I recommend you go about recognizing and writing our your values. Don't worry if it seems a bit strange or awkward. There is no wrong way to do it. You won't be tested; this is for your eyes only!
- Set aside one or two hours this week. Get up early each morning, don’t watch television this week, but do whatever you have to do to find two hours this week. Promise yourself that you will do this and keep the commitment. (If you already have your values defined, is it time to review what you have?)
- Write out your values just like I have written mine. Don't write, "I hope to," "I always try," " By God's grace I will." You write your values in first person present tense. They are faith affirmations of who you are not who you hope to be. It doesn't matter that you imperfectly apply your values, so don't worry about lying. It's not a lie; you are simply talking about things that are not as though they are. That's exactly what God does.
You have your assignment. Don't stress our or procrastinate. Spend some time this week and put down on paper, preferably your journal, what is important to you and next week we will discuss how you can apply what you learn this week. Have a great week clarifying what is important to you!
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