Can’t Imagine Your Vision in Place in <5 Years? Focus On This.

When I first started following my own strengths practice, I found it challenging to find the time to sit down, write down my vision and map out critical milestones leading towards them.

As a business leader at a large company, of course I put goals in writing and measured progress all the time for my employer. Following this practice for my employer vs. for me were two different matters.

Demands on my time came from everywhere. It was like I had a sign on me that said, “Look at her, she can take care of it!'', attracting more commitments that would take away my focus from my most heartfelt aspirations. 

This of course included life outside of work—important commitments for family, friends, home, health and other communities.

If you’re incredibly busy, not 100% clear about how you are going to realize your big dream (or are thinking about being more intentional about it in 2023) and you’re finding it tough to make time for it, you’re not alone.

And, as I explain here in this week’s blog post, there’s one key question that could make life a lot easier for you…

The crucial question to ask yourself in a daily strengths practice

The question is this: What is one thing today that is most important to further my vision? It’s not about the long to-do list…even if it seems like everyone else is trying to pack a lot of busy-ness into each day. It’s about any baby step that is impactful or timely to move you towards your ultimate 10-year or 15-year goal. (Here’s the secret. If you follow this strengths practice whole-heartedly, you will reach your vision in less than 5 years!)

So my challenge to you is this: At the start of each day, think about the one thing that would be the most impactful towards your vision. Put it down in writing. Check it off before the day is through. 

What is the most important thing that emerges from morning quiet time?

This takes your practice a step further. Rather than starting your day checking email, texts or the news, can you sit quietly for ten minutes? Sit without any distractions. Set your timer. 

After this quiet time, decide what is the one thing that would make the day a success for you before you set off. Is it spending time with certain people? Having some great conversations? Taking care of a tedious but critical task? What next right action will move you towards your vision?

Having only 10 minutes to spare isn’t a bad thing 

If you only have 10 minutes today to squeeze in progress towards your vision, that’s ok. In fact, it’s much better to spend 10 minutes a day, every day, then to spend 2 hours one day but not not maintain consistency.

You’re setting aside ten minutes on what you truly care about—what you would perhaps do in your life without even being compensated for it. 

You’re bound to have a few days when you don’t write down your one thing as part of your process. That’s ok. Just get back on track and make it your first priority when you wake up the next day!

In the meantime, to take the first step in your strengths practice right now, find out your greatest strengths.

Best,

Ingrid

P.S. Know human resources professionals? This strengths certification is for them.