Courage to Overcome: A Personal Journey to Success

Courage isn’t always about grand gestures or heroic acts. Sometimes, it’s about the courage to overcome – stepping up to face personal fears and challenges. For Chris Heywood—a seasoned personal trainer, mother of five, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of two—courage has been a guiding force throughout her life. From childhood dreams of performing in front of an audience to overcoming academic struggles as an adult, Chris’s journey illustrates the power of perseverance in the face of fear. As Chris puts it, courage is about attempting something that scares you, and her life is a testament to the rewards of pushing through those fears.

To listen to Doris’ interview with Chris, click here.

Facing the Music Built Confidence

Chris’s first real test of courage came when she was just 12 years old. Playing guitar and writing her own songs, she was invited to perform at a coffeehouse in the 1960s. Overcome with fear and uncertainty, Chris was nervous about how the audience would react. She recalls shaking as she began to play, but then something shifted. And the crowd cheered her on. Their acceptance gave her the confidence to keep going, and what started as a shaky performance turned into a personal victory.

For Chris, this experience solidified an important lesson: courage isn’t about the absence of fear; it’s about moving through it. This moment showed her that even when we feel vulnerable, we can rise stronger than we imagined.

Academic Struggles Overcome

Chris’s courage was tested again later in life when she pursued her career as a personal trainer. Despite her extensive knowledge, Chris didn’t pass the certification exam on her first attempt. This failure triggered old insecurities from her school years and reignited her fear of academic failure. At that moment, she thought about giving up.

But Chris was determined not to let fear define her path. She studied hard, faced her fears head-on, and retook the three-hour test, this time passing with flying colors. That victory launched a career she has cherished for over 30 years. Chris’s persistence serves as a powerful reminder that failure is not the end—it’s often a stepping stone toward success.

Fear Embraced as a Path to Growth

Throughout her life, Chris has shown that the courage to overcome means confronting the fear of failure and using it as a catalyst for growth. From surmounting stage fright as a young performer to passing a difficult certification exam, her journey exemplifies how facing fears can lead to profound personal and professional transformations. Courage and persistence go hand in hand, and Chris’s success is proof of this.

 

Courage isn’t about eliminating fear—it’s about moving forward despite it.

 

Journal Prompts: Courageously Face Your Fears:

  1. Reflect on a time when you faced a fear or challenge head-on. What emotions did you experience before, during, and after the event?
  2. Think about a time when you almost gave up on a goal. What motivated you to keep going, and what lessons did you learn from that experience?
  3. Are there areas in your life where fear is holding you back from pursuing your goals? How might you confront that fear?

Take the Next Step in Your Own Journey

If you’re looking to embrace more courage in your life—whether by pursuing a long-held goal, overcoming personal fears, or stepping into new opportunities— contact me.    

Chris Heywood’s story is a powerful reminder that the courage to overcome is a choice we make every day. Whether it’s performing on stage, passing a difficult test, or tackling any personal fear, courage transforms challenges into growth opportunities. The next time you face a fear that holds you back, think of Chris’s journey and take a step forward. Courage isn’t about eliminating fear—it’s about moving forward despite it.

Explore more of my reflections on courage including Courage is a Mindset, Fueled by Love: Unexpectedly Finding Your Courage and Courage During Uncertainty: A Journey of Resilience and Transformation, Courage as a Catalyst for Personal and Professional Change and  The Duality of Courage: Knowing When to Act and When Not to.   

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The Duality of Courage: Knowing When to Act and When Not To

What does knowing when to act and when not to have to do with courage?  Typically, courage is often seen as boldness—the willingness to take risks and confront challenges head-on. But for leadership development expert Tammy Dowley-Blackman, founder of Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC, courage has a deeper, more nuanced meaning. It’s about the duality of knowing not only what you can do but also whether you should do it. This thoughtful approach to courage shapes decisions from childhood through adulthood, influencing both personal growth and professional leadership.

To listen to Doris’ interview with Tammy, click here.

Courage at 10: Trusting What You Can Do

Tammy Dowley-Blackman, a trailblazer in leadership and organizational development, has built her career around helping others realize their potential. From leading nonprofit organizations to being the founding director of the Proteus Fund Diversity Fellowship, her work has driven systemic change across multiple sectors. Her journey, however, was shaped early in life, beginning with a unique experience at just 10 years old that redefined her understanding of independence and courage.

Growing up in a family deeply committed to education, Tammy frequently traveled between New Jersey and the South, where her parents lived separately to provide her with the best schooling options. At 10, an unexpected situation forced Tammy to travel back to New Jersey alone by bus, with a layover in Washington, D.C. Armed only with her mother’s instructions, she successfully navigated the journey, discovering the first part of her definition of courage: “I can figure things out. I can do this.” This experience cemented her belief in her ability to handle challenges, a conviction that has fueled her personal and professional life ever since.

Courage at 30: Knowing When to Refrain

At 30, Tammy faced a new kind of challenge. She was offered a prestigious job with significant financial and career growth potential. However, despite the obvious benefits, Tammy felt uneasy. Accepting the role would have required sacrificing personal balance and values she held dear.

Despite the pressure to accept, Tammy made the courageous decision to say no, trusting her instincts and choosing long-term fulfillment over short-term gain. This decision became a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy: Not every opportunity, no matter how enticing, is worth taking if it means compromising your values.

Evolving Definition of Courage

Through these defining moments, Tammy’s understanding of courage has evolved into a two-part framework: First, recognize what you’re capable of. Second, make thoughtful, value-driven decisions on whether or not you should act. This perspective continues to guide her leadership, mentorship, and visionary work in the philanthropic sector and beyond.

 

The dual definition of courage: understanding what you can do and deciding whether you should do it.

 

Journal Prompts: Exploring the Duality of Courage

  1. Reflect on a childhood experience that taught you about your capabilities. How has this shaped your understanding of courage?
  2. Think of a time when you chose to act—or refrain—from taking an opportunity. What factors influenced your decision, and how did it impact your life?
  3. How do you determine when to act and when not to? What internal and external factors guide your decisions?
  4. What does courage look like in your life today? Identify a current challenge where you’re navigating between action and restraint.

Tammy Dowley-Blackman’s dual definition of courage— understanding what you can do and deciding whether you should do it—is a powerful guide for leaders and individuals alike. Real courage is not just about bold action; it’s about aligning decisions with values, and as Tammy’s journey shows, the most courageous choices often lead to lasting fulfillment and success.

Align Your Actions with Your Values

For support in making courageous, value-driven decisions, feel free to contact me.   Explore more reflections on courage by reading my other posts like Courage is a Mindset, Fueled by Love: Unexpectedly Finding Your Courage and Courage During Uncertainty: A Journey of Resilience and Transformation, Courage as a Catalyst for Personal and Professional Change.  

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Courage as a Catalyst for Personal and Professional Change

Courage as a catalyst for personal and professional change resides in the quiet moments of decision-making when we face the unknown, dive into uncertainty, and go beyond what seems possible. It is a subtler, more profound aspect of courage that often goes unnoticed. This form of courage does not always come with fanfare; instead, it is deeply personal and often transformative.

Insights on Courage and Uncertainty

This month’s reflection on courage features Marcus Sheffer, a collaborator with 7group, which specializes in commercial green building projects, organizational development, and sustainability programs. With more than 35 years of experience, Marcus has consulted on hundreds of green building initiatives, including some of the greenest projects in the world.

For Marcus, courage isn’t just about bold, fearless acts. It’s about the willingness to step into uncertainty, make difficult choices, and stay committed to a path even when the outcome is unclear. In our everyday lives, courage often shows up as the quiet determination to grow, change, and release beliefs or identities that no longer serve us.

To listen to Doris’ interview with Marcus, click here.

Understanding Privilege and Courage

When asked to define courage, Marcus was immediately struck by how infrequently he thought about it—perhaps, he reflected, because his life as a white male meant he didn’t have to call upon it as often as others. He sees courage as intricately tied to privilege, opening up deeper questions about how we perceive and practice courage. True courage, in his view, involves diving into uncertainty and doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult, uncomfortable, or unclear.

Making Promises Beyond Your Abilities

Marcus describes courage as the willingness to make promises to ourselves that we’re unsure we can fulfill. It’s about moving forward into the unknown, committing to something bigger than our current capabilities. This kind of courage requires us to believe in potential beyond what we can see or plan for, trusting that the act of making the promise itself can open new doors. In his experience, personal transformation happens when we step into uncertainty and push beyond our perceived limits.

Courage in Personal Decisions

One of Marcus’ most personal experiences with courage came when he decided to end his 36-year marriage. It wasn’t an easy decision, but he recognized that staying in the marriage was causing him harm, despite his long-held belief in loyalty and commitment. This decision forced him to face uncertainty—leaving behind the home he had built with his family, grieving the loss of what had once been central to his life, and letting go of the identity he had created for himself. This defining moment of courage allowed Marcus to acknowledge that what once seemed best no longer served his well-being, and it took bravery to step into a future filled with unknowns.

Reflecting on Courage and Personal Growth

  1. Reflect on a time when you had to summon courage to face an uncertain situation. How did this experience transform you?
  2. Consider a situation where you were unsure of the outcome. How did you navigate through it, and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
  3. Think about any beliefs or stories you tell yourself that might be limiting your growth. What would it take for you to loosen your grip on these beliefs and step into the unknown?
  4. Identify areas in your life where taking a courageous step could lead to significant personal growth or change. Where do you see the potential for transformation through courage?

Courage is the ability to dive into uncertainty and make promises to yourself beyond what you believe you’re capable of.

 

The Next Step: Leaning into Courage for Transformation

Marcus’ insights remind us that courage is not always about heroic acts or grand gestures. Often, it’s found in the quiet moments when we choose to step into uncertainty, commit to a difficult decision, or let go of long-held beliefs. Courage is about making promises beyond what we think we’re capable of and embracing the journey that unfolds as a result. It’s about recognizing when it’s time to grow, change, and evolve—even when the path is unclear.

The next step is simple but powerful: consider the areas in your life where you’re holding back, and make a promise to yourself to move forward, even if it feels uncertain. Courage doesn’t require us to have all the answers—it simply asks that we say yes to the possibility of something greater.

 Take Action: Support Your Courageous Journey

If you’d like support to move forward with courage, contact me, and let’s talk!  For more reflections on courage read,  Courage is a Mindset, Fueled by Love: Unexpectedly Finding Your Courage and Courage During Uncertainty: A Journey of Resilience and Transformation.  

 

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Courage is a Mindset: Trust Yourself

Man sitting in Barber shop chair

To listen to this month’s blog, click here.

As a Courage Coach, I tune into the many ways courage shows up around me. I am open, aware, and listening—not just with my clients, but as I go about my day. I’ve learned that everyone has wisdom to share, no matter their background or walk of life. Every person has a story, a unique perspective, and a piece of wisdom to impart.

Inspired by this realization, I decided to start a series on Courage. Over the next three months, I will introduce you to three different individuals, each with their own inspiring and thought-provoking take on courage. They will share how they perceive courage, how they have used it, and how it has transformed their lives for the better. My hope is that their stories will spark your curiosity, get you thinking, and, at best, inspire you to embrace courage in your own life.

In addition to these interviews, I will pair each story with journaling prompts. Even if you don’t journal, these can serve as topics for meditation or meaningful conversations with a trusted friend.

This month, we start with Andrew Hajian, known as Drew, the owner of Impeccable Barber Co., a trusted community barber shop in Norwood, MA. Founded in 2013, Impeccable Barber Co. is a place where you can relax, connect, and receive high-quality service that makes you look and feel your best. I recently visited Drew, and we had an amazing discussion about courage.

To listen to Doris’ interview with Drew, click here.

In our conversation, Drew shared his journey of leaving the corporate world to become a barber and eventually opening his own shop. This leap required a significant shift in mindset, trusting his instincts, and believing in his abilities. His story resonated with me, reminding me of my own big leap when I decided to leave the corporation I was working at to pursue a new direction. At the time, I wasn’t 100% sure of my path, but I trusted the inner signs that told me I needed to make a change. And with each step I took, the next step became clearer.

Reflective Questions

I encourage you to journal, think about or talk to someone about whatever thoughts or questions come up naturally for you. Here are some options to get you started. If any speak to you, use them. 

  • What is your definition of courage?
  • Can you think of a few times—or even one—where you demonstrated it?
  • When have you taken a leap? Is there another leap you’re waiting to take?
  • What is something lurking at the edges you’ve been trying to muster up the courage to do?
  • When was the last time you asked yourself, “What do I want?”
  • What kind of mindset do you need to get started?

You might think—or others may say—that you’re crazy or taking a risk. Weigh the risks and rewards, and unless the risks are off the charts, trust your instincts. You may feel afraid, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it! Think through what you need to do to get it done.

The Key to Courage

The key is to believe in yourself, your judgment, and your abilities to make it work. Follow your instincts and listen to your inner compass—that voice from within. Tuning into this natural guidance may take courage, but trust that it will never lead you astray.

Your mindset will help you gain clarity on the specific steps you need to take. What needs to be done will flow from there. If you try to plan before you have the mindset—the decision, the trust in your direction, and the belief—it’s like putting the cart before the horse.

Fear is a reaction, Courage is a decision –Sir Winston Churchill

Courage is a mindset, answering the call, taking that first step, and trusting that the path will unfold as you move forward. Embrace the mindset of courage, and let it guide you toward living your best life.

What is your inner compass telling you? Can you tune in to that voice, separate from all the other influences, and find that one unique call that is your own?  I deeply believe you know the way. And I would like to help you find it, and walk it.  Let’s talk. 

 

Lighten Your Life: Prioritize, Plan Purge and Expand

sky and olive grove in Greece

To listen to this month’s blog, click here.

Our culture that encourages aspiring and acquiring. It’s no surprise that little by little we end up with way too much of everything. We may collect tchotchkes while traveling, start hobbies that never really stick, or are swimming in technology that quickly becomes obsolete that we haven’t yet let go. What we don’t realize is the more we have, the more time it takes to care for it. And that can weigh us down – not just physically, but mentally too. 

It’s no surprise there’s a solid trend toward minimalism and decluttering. Keeping what you need or love and letting go of much of the rest brings a freedom that might surprise you. Opening that physical and mental space naturally creates an opening to what’s next. And that is exciting! 

Here are four steps you can use to reset and refresh your life!

PRIORITIZE: 

Start by looking at the big picture to determine what’s most important: your home, office, car, mobile home, storage unit – whatever it may be. One rule – no judgments of yourself allowed. Instead, approach it with simple curiosity and optimism instead of overwhelm. Peek into the closets or containers that you haven’t opened in awhile. Jot notes on what is where. 

Next, sit down and ask yourself where your energy would be best invested for maximum returns.  For some it may be your desk, because you spend so much time there, or because the clutter keeps you from being more productive. Others may want to clear out the kitchen to eat cleaner, or the clothing that no longer fits or feels right, or start by making the bedroom a more serene space. Now that you have established what is most important, list them in descending order of priority, so you have a map as you get started.

PLAN: 

Now that you know which categories or areas are top of your list, note what can get done more quickly, which are a matter of hours or a weekend, and what would take longer. 

  • If a task is daunting, break it into small pieces you can successfully finish and feel accomplished before moving to the next. That will be its own inspiration. 
  • Attempt anything tedious only when you have the best energy. 
  • Draw on your Support Circles. What can the family or a buddy help with? Can you hire an organizer for things like holiday boxes or office files? Can a junk removal service or a charity pick up take bigger items off your hands more easily? 

PURGE:

Start by having a place to put everything you sort. For physical items, have boxes or bags labeled Donate, Recycle, and Trash. For paperwork, have one container for recycling, another for shredding first. For what you keep, have handy file folders, a pencil for labeling, and Post-It notes to identify things to be filed in existing folders or scanned.  

When letting go, remember what once served you can now serve someone else, or be recycled – both positive outcomes. You’ll find that uplifting repurposing can make it easier. Certain items like photos, cards and letters, diaries, baby mementos, and heirloom pieces usually require more thought and often are what you want to keep. Give them the time they deserve to assess thoughtfully. This can allow you to let the right things go, keep what is truly important, and do it all with good feelings. 

EXPAND:

Not all clutter is in the form of possessions! Certain habits and relationships can be creating discord, though it can be hard to pinpoint what exactly is weighing you down.  See if you recognize a few things from the list below that have gummed up your works. 

As you assess these, it’s good to listen more to what you’re feeling than what you think:

  • Clear Out Commitments: Where can you lighten up, whether it’s a volunteer gig, pro bono work, memberships, subscriptions or classes?
  • Declutter Digitally: Delete blurred videos and pocket pics, merge contact or photo duplicates, unsubscribe from newsletters, emails, saved music, old files. Updating operating systems – including home wifi – can make things run more smoothly.
  • Diet Detox: Are there ways you can simplify how you shop, cook, what you eat and when? Clear out your pantry, freezer, and reconsider junk carb snacks and your sweets stash. List what healthy things you may add going forward. Even physically cleaning your cupboards or fridge, or adding organizing bins can really make a difference in your overall experience in this area.
  • Streamline Practices: Can you eliminate steps, or recreate your practices to be more efficient or require less decisions along the way?
  • Relationship Refresh: Consider spending less time on those in your life who are not a 2-way street, are negative or drain your energy, and more with those who inspire, lift you up and are there for you. 
  • Mindset Cleanse: Take a break from the news, replace negative and fearful input with happy, positive influences and trust in the good in life. 
  • Take Back Time: Create more by texting, scrolling, streaming less. Read how to find more time on my most popular blog. 

You’ve got this! All the things we collected, and the habits we’re wanting to shake up happened a little each day. And they can get undone a little each day too.  Refresh and reset your life in weekly chunks or even 15 minutes a day, throughout your life – even though you can also do a big weekend or twice a year purge.

However it happens, this process to reset and refresh is about alleviating what’s been draining you, and by doing so, finding renewed energy and more freedom in your daily life. You will use your time better, be able to think more clearly, and enjoy what you do have because it’s no longer lost in clutter. Keep the prize in mind – you are realigning your life with who you are now, what you want and where you want to go! With every step you’ll feel lighter, more open and more intentional about what’s next. 

If you’d like to support or help on any specific step, especially prioritizing, and not getting stuck, please reach out to me and let’s talk! 

Maximizing Brain Power: Tools and Techniques for Optimal Mental States

To listen to this month’s blog, click here.

In last month’s introductory guide to brain waves, we covered the various brain wave frequencies and the nature of each level. This might have created a bit more curiosity and awareness of your states through the day. For example, having read last month’s blog, when you first wake up, you might realize you’re in theta.  This is a good time to start thinking about  positive things before you fully rise, which in turn can set your mood, thoughts and intention for the day.  

We know much about the benefits to our overall health that come from good sleep, plenty of hydration, clean foods, spending time with loved ones, breathing deeply, physical contact with people or animals, etc.. Conversely, we know too much technology and information without breaks, a poor diet, lack of sleep and exercise can create brain fog, problems sleeping or focusing.  Both can affect our state of mind. But what can we do that specifically supports brain wave states? 

Since this is very much a burgeoning field of study, especially in regards to ways individuals may optimize brain wave states, it is intriguing to explore some practices or techniques that can enhance or effect them:

Meditation Practices

Engaging in mindfulness or loving-kindness meditation can influence brainwave patterns, enhancing alpha and theta wave activity for better relaxation and clarity. There are MANY many sources out there. A favorite easy place to start is with Jon Kabat Zinn’s guided 5 or 10 minute meditations. If you’re experienced, you may want to look into someone like Dr. Joe Dispenza’s many videos and articles on meditation and brain waves.

Biofeedback Training

Utilizing equipment to monitor brainwave activity allows for real-time insight, enabling individuals to learn how to control and regulate their brain waves effectively. This article from the Mayo Clinic is a great place to start if you want to learn more.

Focused Breathing

Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing can shift brainwave activity towards a more relaxed state. There is so much out there, but you can start with Dr. Andrew Weil, a trusted source and teacher.

Neurofeedback Sessions

This approach measures brainwave activity, helping individuals learn to adjust their brainwave patterns for optimal mental states through consistent practice. Read more from this Forbes article.

Music and Binaural Beats

Music can alter brain wave patterns, with rhythmic tunes promoting relaxation or focus. Binaural beats use differing ear tones to sync brain frequencies, aiding in relaxation and mental concentration. You can find many of these from YouTube to Spotify and see what you think. Read this Article from the NIH to learn more.

Sleep Hygiene

Regular sleep schedules, a conducive environment, and avoiding stimulants pre-sleep enhance sleep quality and overall well-being and may boost delta waves so important to real rest and enhanced mental clarity. Neuroscientist Dr.Sanjay Gupta is a great resource for simple, solid information, like this CNN podcast, The Rested Brain.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Being in nature boosts alpha waves, fostering relaxation. Outdoor activities like forest walks or sitting by a stream can transition the brain from busy beta to calm alpha states.

One thing to remember – it’s not like we are in one brain wave level 100% then another. The brain is so complex and how to work with brain wave levels is simplified here for the sake of the discussion. Regardless, leveraging these tools can enhance daily function and your quality of life overall.

While research is continually developing in this field, integrating these practices into our daily lives can offer a path to engaging our natural brain wave states. There is so much we can do to positively influence our mental states and enhance our well-being and performance, which is a growing need as the world of work and news grows more chaotic. As we continue to learn and experiment with all the tools I write about, guided by our natural inner rhythms, we grow into living more balanced, focused, and fulfilling lives.

 

A Guide to Understanding Brain Waves for Peak Performance

To listen to this month’s blog, click here.

We learn all we can about diets and exercise, supplements, medical check ups and even skin care. But there’s an often overlooked component to our health and quality of life: our brain waves! Just as we can influence our physical health through lifestyle choices, we can harness the different levels of brain waves to improve various aspects of our lives, from sleep to peak mental performance.

The miraculous human brain is a ceaseless symphony of activity, with neurons communicating through electrical impulses. These impulses generate brain waves, a measure of electrical activity, which vary in frequency and are associated with our state of mind and level of consciousness.  Healthline explains, “When a group of neurons sends a burst of electrical pulses to another group of neurons, it creates a wave-like pattern. These waves are measured in speed cycles per second, which we describe as Hertz (Hz).”

brain wave chart by section and color

Oscillations are measured in cycles per second. Different rates of oscillation (that is, different speeds of brainwave rhythm) correspond to different states of consciousness and mental activity, such as thinking and sleeping. The main brainwave patterns have been named after Greek letters: alpha, beta, gamma, delta, theta.

Let’s learn more about each level: 

Delta Waves (<4 Hz):

The slowest brain waves, predominant during deep, restorative sleep. Practicing conditions that enhance delta wave activity can significantly improve sleep quality.

Theta Waves (4-8 Hz):

The waves are associated with light sleep, meditation, and creativity. They bridge the conscious and subconscious realms, offering opportunities for profound creativity, healing, and personal growth.

Alpha Waves (8-14 Hz):

While you are alert during Alpha, you can be in this state with relaxation and calmness. Alpha waves can enhance focus, facilitate learning, and promote well-being. Learning techniques that promote alpha wave activity can be particularly beneficial for stress reduction.

Beta Waves (14-30 Hz):

These waves are dominant during our waking state, when attention is involved in cognitive tasks and the outside world. Beta waves are crucial for effective problem-solving and decision-making. Managing beta wave activity can help achieve peak mental performance without the downside of stress or anxiety.

Gamma Waves (>30 Hz):

The fastest of the brain waves, gamma waves are associated with heightened perception, problem-solving, and consciousness. Enhancing gamma wave activity is thought to correlate with improved cognitive function and emotional control.

Recognizing and understanding these different brainwave states holds immense potential. It can be integrated into daily life by intentionally shifting our brain wave activity through mindfulness practices, meditation, biofeedback, using binaural music or targeted exercise and relaxation techniques. Using those, you actually can optimize your mental performance, enhance creativity, improve sleep, and reduce stress.

I’ve written on Heart Leadership and Gut Intelligence, to expand awareness of just how much our bodies have going on.  Just as we’ve embraced other pillars of health and peak performance, it’s time to recognize the role of brain waves in our overall well-being. By becoming attuned to the rhythms of our brain and leveraging this knowledge, we can unlock new dimensions of health, productivity, and personal fulfillment! It might just be the next frontier in achieving your best life. 

Look for the sequel to this blog which will expand on some techniques that are being worked with to enhance brain wave levels. Join my newsletter with positive news, my monthly blog, and helpful resources to be sure you don’t miss a thing.

Crafting a Personal Mission Statement: Your Path to Purpose

To listen to this month’s blog, click here.

Have you ever found yourself wondering, in some quiet moment: ‘Is this all there is?’ Those whispers from within, hinting at a deeper yearning for happiness, satisfaction, or a clearer direction in life, are more common than you think. Life’s routine of paying bills and tackling emergencies may be balanced with wonderful trips, memorable family occasions and fun hobbies… but what truly fulfills us is pursuing these with an overarching sense of purpose.

Creating a personal mission statement is like drawing a map for the journey. Imagine navigating each day with a clear sense of purpose, leading to a life that’s not only more productive and happier, but truly fulfilling!

Without a personal roadmap, your life’s path can feel dictated by randomness, responsibilities and at times, the will of others. But it doesn’t have to be. A personal mission statement, crafted through curiosity, introspection and a bit of soul-searching, can illuminate your own vision and values, leading you to live your best life. 

Interested? Here’s a step-by-step guide:  

“Begin with the End in Mind” – Stephen Covey

To start, set up a folder or get a notebook devoted to the purpose. As you work with the steps below, jot ideas down and let writing flow. Anything you write down has a far more profound effect.  You can also record voice memos as ideas come, then make notes on what stood out after. The way this works is to mine for the thoughts and answers inside you, the place where your genuine resources reside. You’ll find by tapping into them they will organically take on a shape which you can hone into a truly authentic personal mission statement.  

  • Discover Your Strengths

To start, identify what you excel at, both professionally and personally. Highlight activities that bring you peace, joy, or that sense of being in the zone. Understanding what you’re good at and what brings you happiness is crucial for setting a clear focus.

  • Determine Your Values

Consider the question, “What is life asking of me?” Reflect on what meaning drives your responsibilities and contributions to your family and friends, in your community and at work. Now, think of your heroes. Which of their qualities inspire you or are ones you’d like to emulate. Pinpointing those contributions you find to be of worth and fulfilling will be the bedrock principles by which to guide your future actions.

  • Envision Your Best Self

Now that you’ve reacquainted yourself with your strengths and values and what makes you feel most useful and happy in each role, envision yourself at your best TODAY. It’s not about reaching back for attributes from younger years – you’ve already been there. Instead, reflect on moments you’ve felt most alive and fulfilled and jot those down as clues. It’s about who you want to be now, and how you want to make choices to effectively build the best life that is truest for you. 

  • Define Your Purpose

Assess these key areas of your life—physical, mental, social, spiritual—and how living your values should serve each. It can be clearer to you if you also list the roles you have, and do the same –two slightly different ways to get a well rounded purpose.  This isn’t an exercise about achievements you shoot for, but about detecting the principles you want to live by and who you aspire to become.

  • Envision Your Legacy

Fast forward to the future: What do you want to be remembered for by the people important to you and in each role you play? This vision can act as a powerful motivator for shaping your actions and decisions. When daily life can make you forget, or if you’re at a crossroads, remembering what you envision here can suddenly simplify your choices, often making the right one stand out clearly. 

  • Set Your Long View Goals

With all the groundwork laid, you can now articulate a few key, overarching goals. While we have many goals day to day or year to year, for this, look to broader, long range goals. Some examples may be: To cultivate a deep, trusting relationship with my life partner, to raise kids who know they are loved and valued for exactly who they are, to build a business that serves others and has a strong and satisfied staff, to be known as a person of integrity in business and my personal relationships. 

  • Write Your Mission Statement

This statement should be your guiding light, succinct yet comprehensive enough to give you direction both daily and in the long term. Whether it’s a flowing paragraph or two or bullet points, the clarity of your mission is what matters most.

A personal mission statement is more than words on paper; it’s a living document that evolves as you do. It’s about:

  • Leading a life aligned with your deepest priorities.
  • Navigating daily challenges with an eye on your long-term vision.
  • Steering clear of distractions that don’t serve your mission.
  • Becoming a creative force in your life and a positive influence on others.

In crafting your personal mission statement, you’re not just plotting a course for success but defining the very essence of your life’s journey. It’s your own constitution that aligns with your personal “Why’s” to guide both your daily actions and long-term outcomes – so worth investing a little time to do with interest and curiosity. Enjoy the process, for it is in this creation that you’ll find a deeper connection to your purpose and a more profound sense of direction in everything you do.  

And you’ll want to regularly review, revise, and refresh your mission statement to ensure it continues to reflect your deepest values and goals.

If you feel stuck or are struggling to define any of the steps above, it can help to flesh things out in conversation with a trusted mentor, teacher or coach. If you would like help to get started, to talk through any step where you may be stuck or need clearer vision, or want to revise a former mission statement, I’m here to help! Just contact me and we can discuss what best supports you on this very worthy endeavor.

 

Thinking Outside the Box: A New Paradigm

To listen to this month’s blog, click here.

The ability to think outside the box is more than just a skill—it’s a transformative power that can lead to greater productivity and innovation in our personal and professional lives. I’ve been reading up on this topic and have found several truly interesting  resources to share. Below are three different perspectives on thinking out of the box.  Drawing from these articles, let’s explore ways to dismantle the ‘walls’ of traditional thinking and kindle an environment where creativity and groundbreaking ideas can thrive.

The Walls of Conventional Thought

Traditional thinking can box us in with invisible walls. I found it helpful that a Forbes article took the tact of naming those walls after characteristics which limit our potential: blame, complaints, defensiveness, and closed-mindedness. It’s helpful to see each of these in the context of 4 walls to a box that you want to break free from. 

Recognize The Barriers

The first step is to recognize these barriers. The article defines each to help you do so. Then the work is to consciously strive to release those qualities.  You can do this by writing down just 2 or 3 simple changes you can make to get to the productivity and upliftment that await you beyond them. For example, they suggest these four practical starters. Look for how you can:

  • Transform blame into a sense of ownership. Owning it is actually good news, because you have the most power here to do something positive about it. 
  • Pivot from dwelling on problems to devising solutions. Looking for how to solve problems you’re in, with even the smallest positive steps forward, will feel incredibly freeing – and release a lot of energy you may not realize was keeping you down. 
  • Replace defensiveness with openness to accountability. Again, the best thing for progress is if the ball is in your court. You can gain respect for being accountable, and admiration for being willing to make something better. Defensiveness shuts doors to opportunity and connection.
  • Exchange closed-mindedness for a curiosity that welcomes new and diverse perspectives. Innovation relies on being open minded. Curiosity is a great way to test a concept or brainstorm… and it’s THE way great ideas happen. 

“Instead of thinking outside the box, get rid of the box.” Deepak Chopra

 

 

Imagination and Fractal Changes

Venturing outside the box also calls for a ‘radical imagination,’ a concept focused on in a Harvard Business Review article. It’s about challenging the status quo with ‘wonder questions’. Again, the benefits of getting curious. Try frequently asking “I wonder why…” 

They introduce fractal changes – the subtle yet impactful shifts in our approach and mindset that impact the big picture. It’s a new perspective that is both simple and radically out of the box!. The article suggests that by focusing on consciously making micro-changes in both our behavior and thought processes, we create a ripple effect that can reshape the larger systems in play.

Thinking outside the box isn’t just a cliché; it’s a vital edge strategy for today’s rapidly changing world. It involves breaking free from traditional patterns,  and embracing both radical imagination and impactful fractal changes. 

As covered in last month’s blog, the journey of innovative thinking starts with a single step beyond conventional boundaries. If you’re poised to embark on this transformative journey, let’s connect and explore the possibilities together.