Align the insides and the outsides are easy to navigate and stay on track!*
[This is Part # 4 of a 20 Part Series to Improve Your Strengths] — Take the Strengths TEST
Quote: “It’s not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity.” -Francis Bacon, Sr. Definition: “an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting”
Chances are you follow some set standards or guidelines to help you get through your day. You know, how you operate at home, work, in the stores, on the road, when something goes bad, when things go well, etc.
Chances are… you probably have never really given this set of underlying principles a second glance – a greater look. I mean, for most people that are right where they perfectly want to be in life, what’s the real point, right?
Often times, a certain strength can’t be improved, or really even understood, until you take a fine-toothed comb over it and see what’s hiding inside. Heck, I’m guessing a big-honkin’ broad brush would be an upgrade for most folks (including me!).
Let’s dare to take a better look at what helps you stay on the straight and narrow. What keeps you sticking to your main path… what defines your personal definition of integrity?
Put forth a clear mission, vision, and values statement
I’m working on something similar right now for my family. I keep running across these ‘tests’ and questionnaires that attempt to help you find the real you – the ‘you’ you were meant to be or some such stuffs. One of the main sets of questions they ask revolve around: “What is your driving force? Motivation? Mission and vision in life?” …and it’s such a great set of questions – a VERY tough set of questions, too!
By being able to put your main mission, vision, and values into words, and have it plainly visible, you’ll be sure to align your daily activities with your greater purpose. Sounds hokey, I know, but it really does help. Oh and aim for only a 70% completed set of statements – a nice rough draft. You can refine and shine as the time goes by.
Here’s a sample of what I came up for my family: