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Find Your Why: Meaningful Work, Meaningful Future, Meaningful Life
North Carolina Central University
November 30, 2017
Facilitator: Bill Johnson
Co-Facilitator: Megan Delph Cayton
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Note: Symbol stands for “Awakening Meaningful Change”
“Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Are you satisfied with where you are and the direction you are going? If not, take control of your life and change whatever needs to be changed. You and only you have the power to do this.
And only you can change your world!”
Napoleon Hill
Data on Higher Education and the American Workplace
Compiled by Bill Johnson (last updated 10/10/2017)
• 80% - percentage of students who don't know what to do in college
(Major Decisions - )
• 75% - percentage of students who change their major at least once
(The Developmental Disconnect in Choosing a Major: Why Institutions Should Prohibit Choice until Second Year - )
• 41% - percentage of students who don't graduate from 4-year college in 6 years (59% graduation rate)
(National Center for Education Statistics - )
• 71% - percentage of students who don't graduate from 2-year college in 3 years (29% graduation rate)
(National Center for Education Statistics - )
• 36 million - number of adults with college credit and not degree in U.S.
(Graduate Network - )
• 21% - percentage of adults in Guilford County have college credit and no degree (67,000+ adults)
(Lumina Foundation Invests in Degrees Matter - )
• 5.6% - percentage of college graduates who are unemployed; 12.6% - percentage of college graduates who are underemployed (in jobs that don't require a college school degree); 17.9% - percentage of high school graduates who are unemployed 33.7% - percentage of high school graduate who are underemployed (in jobs that don't require a degree)
(The Class of 2016, Economic Policy Institute - )
• 40-50% - percentage of potential independent workers (freelance, consultants, etc) by 2020
(Intuit 2020 Report - )
• 90% - percentage of potential independent workers by 2040
(As shared by Donald F. Kuratko, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Indiana University at the 2016 Experiential Classroom Workshop, University of Florida)
• 50% - percentage of occupations today will no longer exist by 2025
(Fast Forward 2030: The Future of Work and the Workplace: )
• 68% - percentage of employees in the US either not engaged (50.8%) or actively disengaged (17.2%) in their work.
(Gallup, Inc. - )
• 11% - percentage of college graduates thriving in the five areas of well-being: purpose, social, financial, community, and physical. However, 17% of college graduates not thriving in ANY of the five areas of well-being.
(Great Jobs, Great Lives, The 2014 Gallup-Purdue Index Report - )
• 36% - percentage of adults who pursued or completed a postsecondary degree would chose a different field of study.
(Gallup, Inc. and Strada Education Network - )
• 47% - percentage of college students that are purpose-oriented.
(Purpose in Higher Education, Imperative - )
• 31% - percentage of students expressed interest in replacing declaring a “major” with declaring a “purpose” and select courses based on obtaining knowledge that would help me move in that direction.
(Purpose in Higher Education, Imperative - )
Life Design Catalyst Program
School of Health and Human Sciences
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Most asked question by students: What SHOULD I do with my life? (“Tell me what I should do…”)
Question that needs to be asked by students: What COULD I do with my life? (“Help me explore my options…”)
Through the exploration of PURPOSE (“Who do I want to be?”) and MEANING (“What am I here to do?”), The Life Design Catalyst Program empowers students to optimize their lives to become the best version of themselves and to utilize their gifts and talents in service to something bigger than themselves. We are transforming students’ lives by “awakening meaningful change” WHILE increasing their chances of staying in and graduating from college!
Life Design Catalyst Models
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Life Design Catalyst Program Overview
• Transforms students’ lives through the exploration of purpose and meaning.
• Guided by concept of self-expertise – “You are the expert on you.”
• Focuses on self-actualization (becoming the best version of yourself) and self-transcendence (utilizing your gifts and talents for something bigger than yourself).
• Empowers students to take control of their lives through self-directed learning and self-created experiences.
• Provides the fundamentals for developing the entrepreneurial mindset/spirit.
• LDC Program is an innovative academic advising/coaching process that leads to student (and life) success.
Life Design Center (created Fall 2016)
• Location for all Design Your Life Courses (listed below).
• Location for many Life Design trainings and workshops throughout year.
• Individual and small group Life Design Catalyst Coaching for students, faculty, and staff on campus.
• Assistance with Design Your Life Projects in all courses.
• Provides resources to encourage introspection, reflection, curiosity, creativity and play.
Design Your Life Courses
First-Year Courses
• HHS125: Design Your Life I - What Could I Do With My Life (1 credit)
• HHS135: Design Your Life II - Redesign a Life You’ll Love (1 credit)
Sophomore-level and higher
• HHS250: Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
• HHS275: Entrepreneurial Personal Branding (3 credits)
Additional Features
• We don’t require a textbook for our courses; we are big proponents of Open Education Resource, so students are provided course materials free of charge.
Data
Since the inception of the HHS125 course in Fall Semester, 2008, we have tracked students’ graduation and retention rates. We found that students who’ve enrolled in the “HHS125: Design Your Life I - What Could I Do With My Life” course in the Fall Semester of their first semester in college, in most instances, will be retained at a slightly higher rate and graduate much higher rate than those students who do not enroll in the course.
|Fall to Fall Retention Rate |Enrollment in HHS125 (Fall Semester) |
|HHS125 UNCG |Fall 2008: 2 sections, 40 students |
|Fall 2008 to Fall 2009: 78.9% 77.0% |Fall 2009: 3 sections, 56 students |
|Fall 2009 to Fall 2010: 75.6% 77.0% |Fall 2010: 3 sections, 65 students |
|Fall 2010 to Fall 2011: 76.9% 75.6% |Fall 2011: 3 sections, 66 students |
|Fall 2011 to Fall 2012: 81.1% 75.8% |Fall 2012: 3 sections, 73 students |
|Fall 2012 to Fall 2013: 65.3% 73.6% |Fall 2013: 8 sections, 111 students |
|Fall 2013 to Fall 2014: 75.0% 78.1% |Fall 2014: 10 sections, 170 students |
|Fall 2014 to Fall 2015: 84.9% 77.0% |Fall 2015: 10 sections, 193 students |
| |Fall 2016: 17 sections, 320 students |
|Graduation Rates (5-year) |Fall 2017: 20 sections, 374 students |
|Fall 2008 class 65.8% 50.1% | |
|Fall 2009 class 56.1% 51.5% |Enrollment in HHS135 (Spring Semester) |
|Fall 2010 class 48.7% 49.7% |Spring 2014: 2 sections, 13 students |
|Fall 2011 class 56.8% - |Spring 2015: 3 sections, 35 students |
|Total 56.8% 50.4% (est.) |Spring 2016: 3 sections, 33 students |
| |Spring 2017: 4 sections, 62 students |
|Graduation Rates (6-year) | |
|Fall 2008 class 73.7% 55.5% |Retention Rate - students enrolled in both HHS125 and HHS135 during |
|Fall 2009 class 61.0% 56.0% |their first-year: 90.6% |
|Fall 2010 class 56.4% - | |
|Total 63.6% 55.4% (est.) | |
We also have measured the Learning Objectives Results from the student’s perspective regarding the value of the course (percentage of those that chose either "Strongly Agree" or "Agree"):
• 97.6% - I have a much better understanding who I am and what I am meant to do.
• 97.4% - I believe a course like this should be a required course for ALL new students.
• 95.1% - This course has helped me understand the meaningful work that I’m here to do.
• 90.2% - I can make better decisions about my future and my life now that I have completed this course.
• 90.2% - I appreciated the opportunity to share/interact with a few of my classmates during class.
• 85.4% - I enjoyed having meditation/quiet time at the beginning of every class.
• 85.4% - This course helped me decide on my major and/or helped me clarify that I am in the right major.
HHS125 Course Content (Fall 2017)
• Intro to Course/Program and Breathing Meditation
• Personal Responsibility and I Am Statements
• My Life Story Worksheet
• My Life Story Poster and Presentation
• Personality Type Assessment
• Personal Core and Desired Work Values
• Character and Engagement Strengths
• Lollipop Moments and Portfolio Life
• Meaningful Work Statement and Personal Manifestos
• Major/Career/Calling Exploration Poster and Presentation
• Vision of Best Self Dreams and Twitter Pitch
• I Am Poem and Seven Word Life Motto
• Personal Charter Poster and Presentations
Life Design Staff
• Life Design Catalyst Program Staff (serve as HHS Student Success Navigators, Life Design Catalyst Coaches and Training Facilitators, and Design Your Life Course Instructors): Bill Johnson (whjohnso@uncg.edu) and Megan Delph Cayton (mcdelph@uncg.edu)
• Life Design Program Undergraduate Student Staff: Yunhwan Kim, J’Dari Lott, J’Dia Lott, Anna Taylor, and MaryKent Wolff
Life Design Motto: Find Your Place in the World. Today.
Life Design Catalyst Coach Training Program ()
• Created in June 2014. Trainings at UNCG are typically in May and December.
• Coach Training Program is content-based (vs. practiced-based).
• Coaching for personal development/growth and meaningful conversations (vs. performance).
• Content based on SPARCK (Story, Purpose, Aspirations, Reflection, Connection, and Kick-Start)
• Professional development through personal exploration and reflection.
• Have now trained over 350 Life Design Catalysts Coaches from 57 different colleges and universities internationally, as well as many on-campus departments and local community organizations.
The lists below are institutions and organizations/associations that have participated in some form of LDC Coach Training or uses Life Design Catalyst Tools at their institutions; BOLD indicates institutions/organizations that have had LDC Coach Training or Life Design Catalyst Program/Workshop/Training at their institution or organization.)
Listing of Colleges/Universities
• American University-Paris (France)
• Appalachian State University (NC)
• Arizona State University
• Bay de Noc Community College (MI)
• Bennett College (NC)
• Boise State University (ID)
• Bossier Parish Community College (LA)
• Carolinas College of Health Sciences (NC)
• Central Florida Community College
• Central Wyoming College
• College of New Jersey
• College of William and Mary (VA)
• Fanshawe College (Canada)
• Fayetteville Technical Community College (NC)
• Folsom Lake College (CA)
• Fordham University (NY)
• Fox Valley Technical College (WI)
• George Mason University (VA)
• Georgia State University
• Greensboro College (NC)
• Guilford College (NC)
• High Point University (NC)
• Jackson College (MI)
• LaSalle University (PA)
• Los Angeles Harbor College (CA)
• Manhattanville College (NY)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Michigan State University
• Nicolls State University (LA)
• North Carolina A&T State University
• North Carolina State University
• North Carolina Wesleyan College
• Northeast Iowa Community College
• Northern Arizona University
• Ohio University
• Palomar College (CA)
• Pamlico Community College (NC)
• Paradise Valley Community College (AZ)
• Piedmont Virginia Community College (VA)
• Quinsigamond Community College (MA)
• Rowan University (NJ)
• Savannah State University (GA)
• Shaw University (NC)
• Southwest Illinois College
• Stanly Community College (NC)
• Tennessee Technological University
• Texas A&M University
• Thomas Edison State College (NJ)
• University of California-Davis
• University of Colorado-Boulder
• University of Dubuque (IA)
• University of Illinois Laboratory High School
• University of Maryland-College Park
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
• University of Missouri-Columbia
• University of North Carolina-Charlotte
• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
• University of Louisville (KY)
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
• University of Wisconsin-Platteville
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville
• University of Tennessee-Martin
• West Chester University (PA)
• West Valley College (CA)
• Western Carolina University (NC)
Departments/Organizations - On-Campus (UNCG)
• ACE (Academic Recovery) Program
• Beyond Academics
• Bryan School of Business Advising Center
• Career Services Center
• Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Department of Counseling and Educational Development
• Department of Human Development and Family Studies
• Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education
• Department of Public Health Education
• Development Office
• Elliott University Center
• Foundations for Learning Program
• Guarantee Program
• Healthy UNCG (Staff) Program
• Human Resources
• Living Learning Communities
• Office of Intercultural Engagement
• Office of Housing and Residence Life
• Office of Service Learning and Leadership
• Office of Sponsored Programs (Research)
• Outdoor Adventures
• Program for the Advancement of Girls and Women in Sport and Physical Activity
• Residential Colleges Program
• Special Support Services
• Staff Senate
• Teaching and Learning Commons
• TEAMQUEST
• Undergraduate Admissions
Departments/Organizations - Off-Campus
• AmeriCorps Vista
• Caswell Correctional Facility (NC)
• Center for Creative Leadership (NC)
• City of Winston-Salem (NC) Recreation Department
• College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)
• DavidsonWorks Workforce Development (NC)
• Family Services of the Piedmont (NC)
• Game Changer/EdRevolution, Inc. (NC)
• Learning to Learn, Inc. (NY)
• Lorven Child and Family Development Center (NC)
• Sage Wine and Gourmet (NC)
• University of North Carolina General Administration
Professional Organizations/Associations
• Golden Key International Honour Society
• National Academic Advising Association
• National Resource Center for First-Year Experience and Students in Transition
• On Course
Values Assessment
Your values are the things that are most important to you. They are the principles, standards, and qualities you consider worthwhile or desirable. They guide your actions and decisions on a daily basis. If you notice that something isn’t quite right in your life, a lot of times it’s due to a conflict in your values. Your values have a lot of influence on your relationships, your behaviors, your choices, and your personal identity; it’s important to know and understand them in order to live a more fulfilling life! Note: As you identify your values, make sure that you are choosing the most important values in your life right now, not things that you think are important or what you would like to have in the future. This Values Assessment will have you identify the things that are most important in your life RIGHT NOW! They could be things that are important that you “live” on a daily basis – or they may be things that are important, but you don’t actually follow (but would truly like to).
Value Tags (Assessment) Activity Instructions
The Value Tags Exercise will have you identify the things that are most important in your life RIGHT NOW! They could be things that are important that you “live” on a daily basis – or they may be things that are important, but you don’t actually follow (but would truly like to). Instructions are listed below:
1. Make sure that you have 36 tags.
2. Make two piles of values:
a. Pile 1: Those values that are important in your life right now.
b. Pile 2: Those values that are not important in your life right now.
3. Put aside your pile of values not important (Pile 2).
4. Count the number of values chosen as important in Pile 1.
5. Now, working with the pile of values deemed important (Pile 1), narrow down this pile to your top 10 – your 10 MOST important values. These are the 10 values you deem most important in your life right now. These do not need to be ranked.
6. Once you are done and have identified your 10 most important, you will then narrow down your list to the top FIVE (5) values. You will definitely need to rank order these 5, making sure that the #1 value is the MOST IMPORTANT value – the one that you can’t live without, the one that you will not compromise under any circumstance. Continue this same process with values 2 through 5, making sure to rank order them from #1 through #5.
7. Once you have your five, write down your name, the today’s date, and your list of your ranked top 5 values, from #1 to #5.
8. For each of your top five values, you will write a sentence or two for each one that guides how you make decisions and take action. This definition will provide you the framework and the definition of how you will live according to these values in your life.
9. Once you have your information written, write down/answer the 4 questions below:
a. As you review your list of 5 values, briefly explain why you chose at least your top 5 values and how they are connected.
b. What do you find most interesting about your list of values? Any connections – with your personal life and/or your professional life? Any surprises?
c. Describe how at least two of your values come into play on a daily basis – either in a positive or a negative way?
d. What are at least one or two challenges to living your life according to your highest values? What’s most difficult about living your values?
e. Describe at least two instances where see your values influencing what you decide to do in the future, in your personal and/or professional life?
10. You will be sharing your list/definitions of your 5 values and the answers to the questions in #9 with your fellow classmates.
|Accomplishment/Achievement |Accountability/Responsibility |
| | |
|To be involved in and succeed in undertakings that are personally |To take responsibility for my actions and the outcomes of those actions. |
|significant, whether or not they bring recognition from others. To |To hold myself responsible for my actions, conduct, and decisions. To be |
|complete something successfully, especially by special effort, superior |answerable for something within my power, control, or management. To be |
|ability, perseverance, or great courage. To participate in activities that|seen as dependable, reliable, and conscientious. |
|bring fulfillment. | |
|Advancement/Promotion |Autonomy/Independence |
| | |
|To consistently move ahead to new and progressive opportunities. To aspire |To have freedom of will, thought, and/or action. To be self-reliant and |
|to higher levels of excellence in one’s professional life. To continue to |have freedom from the influence, guidance, or control of others. To be |
|move forward and improve current rank and/or standing. To have visible |self-directed and self-sufficient. To be free from the control, |
|success and status in the workplace. |influence, support, and aid of others. To choose own projects, set own |
| |pace, schedule, and work with minimal supervision. |
|Balance/Stability |Challenge/Risk |
| | |
|To have continuance in life with minimal change. To maintain a life based |To be involved in stimulating and demanding tasks and projects. To be |
|on reliable, dependable, and predictable situations. To live in a steady, |engaged in difficult or complex activities. To face unknown or dangerous |
|secure, unchanging environment. To have mental steadiness, emotional |experiences. Participating in situations where there is a possibility of |
|stability, calm behavior, and use sound judgment. |damage or loss. |
|Service/Helping Others |Nature/Environment |
| | |
|To contribute to the well-being and satisfaction of others. To help people |To care for and appreciate the environment. To respect and values the |
|who need help and improve society. To give assistance, support, and aid to |outdoors. To respect the social and cultural values that shapes the life|
|others. To contribute to the betterment of the world. To have a devotion |of a person. To have concerns for the earth and its climate. To be |
|to the welfare of others. To desire to make a difference. To provide |involved in activities or work that’s outdoors – or for the betterment of |
|direct services to people with problems. |the outdoors. |
|Competition |Creativity/Self-Expression |
| | |
|To engage in activities where results are measured frequently and compared |To develop new and innovative ideas. To generate new and better ways of |
|with others. A test of skill or ability, usually in comparison with one’s |doing tasks. To make, invent, or produce imaginative or original thoughts |
|self or others. A contest for some prize, honor, or advantage. To have a |or things. To use your imagination to find new ways to do or say |
|strong desire to win and be successful. |something. To be able to personalize ideas, emotions, or feelings. To |
| |convey or represent one’s own personality, feelings, or ideas. |
|Fairness/Equality/Diversity |Enjoyment/Happiness |
| | |
|To have the same capability, quantity, effect, value, or status as others. |To take pleasure in life – both work and personal. To live life to the |
|To honor and respect a variety of cultures and lifestyles. To appreciate |fullest. To have fun. To experience pleasure, amusement, joy, or |
|those things that are different. To welcome others as being the same. To |cheerfulness in every aspect of life. To incorporate things that brings |
|have an equal chance in all things. |one pleasure in life. |
|Entrepreneurship/Innovation |Religion |
| | |
|To organize, manage, or start a business or enterprise, usually with |To have a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices from a |
|considerable initiative and risk. To create or establish an object, item, |particular organization. To believe in and follow something devotedly. To|
|or idea. To start or introduce something new and different. |practice ritual observances of faith. |
|Expertise |Family |
| | |
|To become a known and respected authority in a particular field. Attain |To live with and commit to at least one significant other. To focus on |
|mastery/expertise something specific. To have a high degree of |the relationships, time spent with, and attention given to children, |
|knowledge/skill in a certain subject. To be recognized as an expert in |spouse, significant other, parents, siblings, and/or relatives. |
|something. | |
|Friendship |Harmony |
| | |
|To have close, positive, personal relationships with others. To have |To have a feeling of inner calm, peace, and tranquility. To feel or show |
|frequent and caring relationships with non-related people close to you. To|happiness, contentment, or well-being. To live a life that’s consistent, |
|develop camaraderie and good-will with others. The cooperative and |pleasing, and tranquil. To desire to be at peace with oneself. |
|supportive relationship with two or more people. | |
|Knowledge/Learning/Education |Honesty/Trust |
| | |
|To engage in the pursuit of acquiring information. To be involved in |To have faith, belief, and reliance in the character, integrity, and |
|activities that requires thought and reasoning. To study or investigate |sincerity in another person. To be a person of honor, truthfulness, and |
|facts, truths, or principles. To gain familiarity, awareness, or |fairness. To rely on a person or thing in confidence. |
|understanding through experience or study. | |
|Integrity |Leadership |
| | |
|To live and work in agreement with personal moral and ethical standards. To|To motivate and energize other people. To feel responsible for identifying|
|be straightforward and direct with others. To live by and stand up for |and accomplishing needed group tasks. To guide and direct others. To |
|personal beliefs. To do what you say you’re going to do. To be a person |manage, direct, or supervise the activities of others. To influence the |
|of honor and sincerity. To consistently live by and demonstrate your |opinions or decisions of others. To personally convince others to take |
|values. |certain actions. |
|Spirituality |Personal Development/Growth |
| | |
|To believe that there is a higher power, but not necessarily based on |To do challenging work that will help one grow and allow the utilization |
|religious beliefs. To view life from one’s soul or spirit. To live a life|of one’s best talents and skills. To develop capabilities and one’s |
|based on one’s own values and ideals and understand who we are and why we |potential to make one more aware of his or her inner feelings or thoughts.|
|are here. |To continually search for opportunities to learn about self and about |
| |life. |
|Fitness/Health |Wisdom |
| | |
|To be involved in activities that relies on my physical and |To be aware of one’s self, personal calling, and life purpose. To have |
|mental conditioning. To be physically and mentally fit. To be of sound |knowledge and insight of one’s values in order to make good judgments. To|
|mind, body, and spirit. To be in good health and physical conditioning due|have the intuition to use common sense and good judgment in decisions and |
|to exercise and proper nutrition. To be involved in work that requires |actions. To understand the importance of making wise choices. To have a |
|substantial physical activity. |desire to understand life. |
|Recognition/Fame/Prestige |Safety/Security |
| | |
|To be seen by others as extremely successful. To be given special notice or|To be free of worry, fear and anxiety. To have minimal concerns about |
|attention. To be acknowledged for achievement and service. To obtain |danger or risk. To have predictability in one’s life. To have income and|
|recognition and status in one’s chosen field. To have great visibility, a |benefits that are predictable and satisfactory. To have the assurance of |
|great reputation, and to be recognized and renowned. To seek applause from|the fulfillment of an obligation. To have freedom from financial worry. |
|others. | |
|Wealth |Respect |
| | |
|To own a significant amount of money, property, or other riches. To be |To be treated with admiration, thoughtfulness, and fairness. To be valued|
|considered rich, prosperous, or affluent by others. To have a valuable |with esteem or honor. To be a person viewed as having certain rights, |
|amount of possessions and resources. To be in a position to have a lot of |privileges, proper acceptance, or courtesy. To be a person to show |
|money. |consideration and appreciation for others. To have pride in self and feel|
| |worthy. |
|Competence |Loyalty |
| | |
|To possess the skills, knowledge, and aptitude to effectively perform a |To be committed to the goals of people who share my beliefs, values and |
|task. To execute work with accuracy to achieve results. To demonstrate |ethical principles. To be faithful and committed to a person. To be |
|proficiency and above average effectiveness. To be seen as well qualified |trusted to follow an ideal, a custom, a cause, or a duty. Being reliable |
|and having superior ability. |to commitments and obligations. To follow a leader or a cause with strong|
| |devotion. |
|Leisure |Travel/Adventure |
| | |
|To pursue non-work-related activities. To participate in hobbies, crafts, |To take a trip or journey to a desirable location. To be engaged in new, |
|or recreational activities. To have time and freedom to do things that |exciting or unusual experience. To participate in activities that might |
|brings pleasure. To live a life of unhurried ease. |be considered risky or dangerous. To be in a position where you get to |
| |take frequent trips. |
|Authority/Power/Control |Excellence |
| | |
|To have the power to approve or disapprove proposed courses of action. To |To achieve the highest attainable standard in all aspects of my life. To |
|make assignments and control allocation of people and resources. To have |seek the highest level of quality in all tasks and projects. To possess |
|great influence or control over others. To be given the authorization to |outstanding quality or superiority merit. |
|enforce, command, determine, or judge. To be in charge. | |
Meaningful Work
This next part – Meaningful Work – will have you create a statement that defines the work that you’re here to do. If you remember, your meaningful work is work that combines the positive attributes you know about yourself and serving the needs of the world. Defining your meaningful work could be so profound, that it could help you decide your major, identify your career paths/options, create the business you want to start – and so much more. Once you create your meaningful work statement, you will take a short quiz to determine if your statement is truly your meaningful work. The goal is to create a statement that truly defines the work you are here to do!
Finding Your Spark
(From “How to Live a Good Life: Soulful Stories, Surprising Science, and Practical Wisdom” by Jonathan Fields)
This activity provides you an opportunity to reflect on the ideas that might provide you a spark. Use these questions to identify the things you’re curious about, that you find fascinating, you you’d like to learn about at a deeper level, you you’d like to master, and that allows you to serve others in a meaningful way. When you start thinking about the work that you’d like to do, these questions may help you start the process of getting clear about the work that you’d like to do – now and/or in the future.
1. Am I curios about anything in particular? Is there a big question I’d love to answer? Is there a problem I feel compelled to solve?
2. Are there things that fascinate me? Is there a topic or field or thing or pursuit or even a person that I have a deep yearning to know more about?
3. Are there activities that I get lost in? Are there things I love to do where I lose track of time and would pay to be able to do more?
4. Is there something I want to master? Is there an art or field or pursuit I’d love to be really good at, maybe even world-class great?
5. Is there some person or community or being I feel compelled to help? It doesn’t have to be human; it could be an animal, a plant, or even the planet.
Purpose Statement
(From Zach Mercurio’s book, “The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose”)
The next portion of this activity will have you write a short statement that outlines what you plan to do to help others in a meaningful way. Once you take a few minutes to reflect on the Find Your Spark questions (preferably with a partner), use your answers to complete the purpose statement template below:
I exist to ____________________ (action: a verb describing what you do) ____________________ (population: one or two groups you’d like to help) to ____________________ (end result: change/improvement/impact/new belief/cause).
This statement provides you with the foundation in determining the meaningful work that you are here to do.
Meaningful Work Statement
What if you could be clear about the work that you’re here to do? What if that work was connected to your values, your talents and gifts, and your interests? The Meaningful Work activity which follows provides an opportunity to recognize the work you are here to do, at least at this point in your life. You will use the lists on the next few pages to help you develop a statements that identifies how you want to serve the world in a meaningful way. Use this activity any time you are at a crossroads in your life and want to explore the “work” you’d like to do. Note: If something is not listed in any of the lists below, feel free to add your word to your list!
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Strengths – Choose up to 3
Your Strengths are the things that are best about you. What are the things that you do best, usually without any effort? Choose your top three Strengths and write them on your Life Design You Worksheet.
Achievement Action-oriented Adaptability Analytical
Appreciating beauty Balanced Bravery Competitive
Connecting with others Consistency Creativity Curiosity
Deliberate Disciplined Empathetic Enthusiasm
Excellence Fairness Focused Forgiveness
Future-oriented Good communicator Gratitude Growth-oriented
Harmonious Honesty Hope Humility
Humor Idea generator Inquisitive Kindness
Leadership Love Love of learning Organized
Perseverance Problem solver Positive Prudence
Reflective Relationship builder Responsible Self-assured
Spirituality Strategic Taking charge Thinker
Thoughtfulness Values-driven Wisdom Working in teams
Talents and Gifts – Choose up to 3
Your Talents and Gifts are the things that you are both good at AND you enjoy doing. Choose your top three Talents and Gifts and write them on your Life Design You Worksheet.
|Adapting |Gathering information |Playing games |
|Analyzing data |Giving advice |Playing sports |
|Appreciating things |Giving people hope |Programming |
|Arranging |Giving presentations |Public speaking |
|Asking good questions |Having conversations |Reading |
|Being adventurous |Having fun |Recruiting others |
|Being fair |Healing |Reflecting |
|Being funny |Helping/serving others |Remembering things |
|Being optimistic |Implementing |Repairing things |
|Bringing out best in others |Including others |Reporting |
|Building things |Inspiring others |Researching |
|Buying |Learning from mistakes |Resolving problems |
|Caring for others |Learning new things |Saving lives |
|Cleaning |Leading others |Selling/Marketing |
|Collecting |Listening |Showing compassion |
|Coming up with new ideas |Living in the moment |Singing |
|Compiling statistics |Making arts and crafts |Speaking languages |
|Connecting people |Making decisions |Spending wisely |
|Cooking |Making foods/drinks |Starting new things |
|Coordinating activities |Making music |Storytelling |
|Counseling |Making people happy |Taking care of people |
|Creating new things |Making people laugh |Taking pictures |
|Dealing with pressure |Managing money |Taking risks |
|Dealing with relationships |Managing people |Talking |
|Debating |Managing time |Teaching/Training |
|Decorating |Meeting people |Thinking |
|Demonstrating |Memorizing |Traveling |
|Designing |Motivating others |Understanding law/legal issues |
|Developing |Moving |Using computers |
|Driving |Networking |Using electronics |
|Eating healthy |Note-taking |Using technology |
|Encouraging people |Organizing |Working on cars |
|Enhancing beauty |Painting/Drawing |Working outdoors |
|Entertaining others |Parenting |Working with numbers |
|Exercising |Performing |Working with tools |
|Fixing things |Planning events |Working with your hands |
|Future-thinking |Playing instruments |Writing |
Interests – Choose up to 3
Your Interests are the things that you’re interested in, areas you’re curious about, things that you’re passionate about, problems you’d like to solve, and things that make you angry or drive you crazy. You may also use this as an opportunity to think about areas you’d like to learn more about. Choose your top three Talents and Gifts and write them on your Life Design You Worksheet.
|Government/Politics |Business |Entrepreneurship |
|Farming/Agriculture |History |Medicine/Medical Care |
|Toys/Games |Clothing/Fashion |Writing/Publishing |
|Beauty |Languages |Hotels/Event Planning |
|Cars/Driving |Safety/Security |Entertainment |
|Electronics |Education |Computers/Technology |
|Diversity |Transportation |Mental/Emotional Health |
|Sports/Athletics |Children Issues |Home Improvement |
|Dance |Nutrition/Food |Religion/Spiritual |
|Energy (Resource vs. Spiritual) |Music/Radio |Housing/Real Estate |
|Law/Justice |Military |Math/Statistics |
|Animals/Pets |Families/Relationships |Landscape |
|Design |Exercise/Fitness |Theater/Acting |
|Disabilities |Aviation/Flying |Plants/Flowers |
|Environment/Nature |Marketing/Sales |Self-Help/Personal Growth |
|Humor |Furniture/Antiques |Social Media |
|Money/Finance |Books/Libraries |Cooking |
|Philanthropy |Recreation/Outdoors |Forensics/Death/Mortician |
|Boating/Water |Health/Wellness |Sexuality |
|Travel/Tourism |Television/Movies/Film |Photography |
|Arts/Crafts |Weather |Sciences |
Audience – Choose up to 3
Your Audiences are the people/groups you’d like to help, those you could see yourself working with, and/or those individuals/groups that could benefiting from what you could share. Choose your top three Audiences and write them on your Life Design You Worksheet.
|Business Owners |Entrepreneurs |Athletes |
|Young Children |Communities/Neighborhoods |Deaf/Hearing Impaired |
|Special Needs – Mentally |Special Needs - Physically |Disaster Victims |
|High School Students |Infants/Babies |College Students |
|Creative People |Blind/Visually Impaired |High Level Executives |
|K-12 Education (Teachers, Staff) |Families (includes your own) |Higher Education (Faculty, Staff) |
|Specific Medical Issues |Specific Ethnic/Racial Groups |Substance Abusers |
|Poverty/Rural Areas |“Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) People |Religious Organizations |
|Mothers and/or Fathers |People from Other Countries |Single Parents |
|Delinquents |People in Emotional Crisis |Elderly/Seniors |
|Females/Males |At-Risk Groups |Gangs/Gang Members |
|Homeless People |Farmers |Entertainers/Celebrities |
|Children in Foster Care |Animals |Pregnant Teens/Adults |
|Unhealthy People |Orphans/Runaways |Physically Abused |
|Artists/Performers |Prisoners |Immigrants |
|Veterans/Military |Marriages |Single People |
|Adults |LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Asexual) |
| |
Action Verbs – Choose up to 3
Action verbs describe what you will do to help others, the process of how you will provide your help, and/or how you interact with others. Your action verbs may also describe what you the action that your audience will take when working with you. Action verbs describe action, to DO SOMETHING! As you choose your action verbs, connect your action verbs with your values, strengths, talents and gifts, interests, and audience. Choose your top three Action Verbs and write them on your Life Design You Worksheet.
.
Advise Advocate Assist Build Change Coach Collaborate
Connect Construct Contribute Coordinate Counsel Create Cultivate
Deliver Demonstrate Design Develop Direct Discover Dream
Educate Eliminate Employ Empower Enable Encourage Engage
Enlist Entertain Evaluate Examine Explain Explore Express
Facilitate Feed Foster Free Freedom Gather Guide
Heal Help Imagine Improve Influence Inform Inspire
Instruct Invite Lead Lift Listen Live Love
Make Mentor Motivate Nurture Optimize Prepare Promise
Promote Provide Pursue Reclaim Rejuvenate Restore Savor
Share Show Study Support Surrender Teach Train
Transform Unlock Uplift Worship
Impact/Change – One or two phrases
And for this last part, take a few minutes to write one or two phrases in the space below that briefly describes the impact you believe you will make, the changes that will occur for the people/groups you serve, the benefit others will have from your work, and/or how the lives of your audience will improve as a result of your help. Use the space below to jot a few ideas for your phrase(s); write your final phrase (or two) on the Meaningful Work Statement Worksheet.
You will use your results from the Values, Talents and Gifts, Interests, Audiences, and Action categories, as well as your Impact/Change phrase, to develop your Meaningful Work Statement.
After you've come up with your list of “words” from the various activities, it’s time to come up with ONE sentence that sums up your Meaningful Work – the work you’d like to do, who you'd like to help, how you’d help them, and the impact you will have and/or the change that will occur. Your meaningful work statement is a declaration that defines your contribution, your positive impact on others, and how your work will make you a better person. You may also decide to create multiple statements, especially if you have multiple interests and/or multiple audiences. Multiple statements may provide you an opportunity to select one statement to start with right away or find ways to combine/connect multiple statements into one. Remember to limit your statement to just ONE sentence to make this process easy for you. Below are several templates that may help you construct your statement; feel free to modify as you see fit – or combine statements that suit your needs. The best way to start this activity is to take your first choice of words in each category (talents, and gifts, interests, audience, and action) and see if you can come up with statement to start with, then modify accordingly. As you construct your meaningful work statement, keep these three questions in mind:
• What do I do?
• Who do I help?
• Why does it matter?
Meaningful Work Statement Sample Templates - fill in the template(s) blanks with at least one choice from each of the areas listed above. Feel free to choose one or both templates below):
• Because I have strengths in __________ (strengths) and have an interest in __________ (interest), I will use my __________ (talents and gifts) to __________ (action) __________ (audience) so that __________ (impact/change).
• My meaningful work is to use my skills in __________ (talents and gifts) to __________ (action) __________ (audience) so that __________ (impact/change), because I have strengths in __________ (strengths) and have an interest in __________ (interests).
Meaningful Work Statement Sample Open-ended Sentence Starters (Note: If you use one of the open ended starters, you’ll need to make sure to incorporate at least one item from each of the six categories from the lists above):
• I am here to…
• I will serve others (or serve the world) by…
Bill’s Example:
• Because I value wisdom and personal growth/development and have an interest in self-help and well-being, I will use my talents and gifts in group facilitation and connecting people to empower students, faculty, and staff in higher education AND people at a crossroads in life, through reflection, to optimize their lives to become the best version of themselves and make a positive contribution to the world.
Use the space below (or a separate sheet of paper) to come up with your final statement. Feel free to construct multiple statements if you have multiple interests, multiple audiences you wish to serve, etc. We will test you on your Meaningful Work Statement in the next class.
Potential Meaningful Work Statement Checkup
As you try to decide on the ONE Meaningful Work Statements, here’s a way to test whether this statement is aligned with your values, talents and gifts, interests, audience, and impact/change. Use the questions and the scale below to determine the right meaningful work statement for you:
3 = a lot 2 = some 1 = a little 0 = none
1. How much is this meaningful work tied to my personal core values and/or desired work values? _____
2. How much would I be able to include my talents and gifts in doing this meaningful work? _____
3. How much is my interest(s) tied to this meaningful work? _____
4. How much empathy do I have for this particular audience if involved in this meaningful work? _____
5. How much of an impact/change will I really be able to make doing this meaningful work? _____
The highest score you could obtain is 15 (higher is better); you would want to at least score a “10” to consider this your meaningful work. If your score is not a “10” or more, what change in your statement (a change that resonates with you) would you have to make to get your score to a “10?” Does your statement need to be more aligned with your values? Do you need to take more advantage of your talents and gifts? Do you need to work with an audience where you can have a greater impact?
Meaningful Work Statement Quiz
The last part of this activity will have you take the Meaningful Work Statement Quiz, a Quiz that challenges how much your statement resonates with your life. Is your meaningful work truly the work that you’re here to do in this world? The six questions in this Quiz will provide you with one more test to see if this is your meaningful work. It’s a very simple Quiz – you must answer either “YES” or “NO” to each of the questions; MAYBE is not allowed.
Statement #1: 1. _______ 2. _______ 3. _______ 4. _______ 5. _______ 6. _______
Statement #2 (if necessary): 1. _______ 2. _______ 3. _______ 4. _______ 5. _______ 6. _______
Calling Connection Worksheet and MindMap
(Note: This activity was adapted from book, “Build Your Dreams: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love” by Alexis Irvin and Chip Hiden.)
The Calling Connection is a process to help you identify potential opportunities to pursue based on your meaningful work statement in a variety of areas. You must create a meaningful work statement in order to complete this activity. Categories include Business, Creative, Scientific/Research, Social/Political, and Teaching/Education. Use the blank box next to each listed category to jot down ideas you could pursue to get started on the “work” piece of your meaningful work. You can find examples of Mind Maps here: .
|Business | |
|Based on your purpose and/or meaningful work statement… | |
|What job(s) could you obtain? | |
|What business could you start or own? | |
|What product could you create? | |
|What service could you offer? | |
|What professional organizations/associations could you join or create? | |
|What student organizations could you join or create? | |
|What internship/apprenticeship could you obtain? | |
|Could you create an app or web site related to your meaningful work? | |
|Could you attend local events that will help you improve/grow? | |
|Are there specific companies/businesses doing your work? | |
|Could you create an online profile (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.? | |
|Creative | |
|Based on your purpose and/or meaningful work statement… | |
|What could you write about, through a blog, magazine, or newspaper? | |
|Could you write a book, workbook, textbook, or e-book? | |
|Could you incorporate pictures, drawings, or illustrations? | |
|Could you incorporate dance or some type of movement? | |
|Could you use TV, movies, video, podcasts, and/or film? | |
|Could you incorporate other type of art and/or crafts, such as painting, photography, | |
|pottery, and jewelry? | |
|Could you incorporate music and sounds? | |
|Could you incorporate specific designs or decoration? | |
|Scientific/Research | |
|Based on your purpose and/or meaningful work statement… | |
|Are there facts or opinions that can be used to support this work? | |
|Could you collect data and/or gather information based on this work? | |
|Could you do testing, analysis, and/or experimentation? | |
|Are there research opportunities? | |
|Could you do further inquiry, exploration, or investigation? | |
|Are there safety, liability, or other issues that need to be addressed? | |
|Could there be a new method to do this work? | |
|What type of clinical opportunities could you obtain? | |
|Could there be benefits/drawbacks in doing this work? | |
|Are there best practice(s) for this work? | |
|Are there reports white papers you could write? | |
|Are there surveys you could conduct and results you could share? | |
|Social/Political | |
|Based on your purpose and/or meaningful work statement… | |
|What connections with people/organizations could you make? | |
|What relationships could you develop based on this work? | |
|Could you serve as activist or lobbyist? | |
|Are there laws and/or policies that might affect this work? | |
|Could you connect with non-profits and/or charities? | |
|Could you engage with the local community? | |
|Could you engage at the state, national, or international level? | |
|Could you find opportunities within government? | |
|Could you identify or create a new legislative process? | |
|Are there economic issue(s) that might be connected with this work? | |
|Are there specific groups or populations that could be affected – positively or negatively| |
|- by your work? | |
|Could you create a campaign/movement? | |
|Are there allies/mentors/collaborators who you could help and could help and/or support | |
|you? | |
|Are there faculty/alumni you could connect with? | |
|What opportunities exist for going abroad? | |
|Teaching/Education | |
|Based on your purpose and/or meaningful work statement… | |
|Could you teach/speak to others one-on-one or in small groups? | |
|Could you speak to large groups? | |
|Could you get involved in service/community learning? | |
|What programs/activities could you create and develop? | |
|Could you teach classes at a school or school-like setting? | |
|Could you create an educational program? | |
|Could you obtain an (additional) undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate? | |
|Could you provide coaching, guidance, or mentoring? | |
|Could you create and develop alternative means to deliver learning opportunities (i.e. | |
|on-line)? | |
|What workshops and/or trainings could you facilitate? | |
|What workshops and/or trainings you could attend to become more knowledgeable? | |
|Could you teach or share your knowledge using on-line technology (i.e. live online events,| |
|webinars, and podcasts)? | |
|Bill’s Example - Because I value wisdom and personal growth/development and have an interest in self-help and well-being, I will use my talents and |
|gifts in group facilitation and connecting people to empower students, faculty, and staff in higher education AND people at a crossroads in life to |
|reflect and explore in order to optimize their lives to make a positive contribution to the world and become better people. |
|Business |Creative |Scientific/Research |
|Start a Life Design Catalyst Coach Training |Write about Life Design. |Research benefits/drawbacks of aspects of Life |
|Program. |Create the Dreamdean blog |Design program. |
|Connect with local organizations and agencies. |Create Life Design videos. |Identify best practices in coaching and Life |
|Offer coach training to other institutions. |Write a Life Design workbook. |Design. |
| |Host a Life Design party. |Acquire retention and grad rate data to |
| | |support/grow Life Design Program; |
|Social/Political |Teaching |
|Create a Life Design Manifesto. |Teach Life Design classes. |
|Start campaign to incorporate Life Design Program in colleges and |Facilitate Life Design workshops and trainings. |
|universities. |Facilitate train-the-trainer Life Design Program |
|Start my own Life Design Catalyst community. |Provide Life Design Center internships. |
Calling Connection Mind Map
A Mind Map is a visual diagram that uses words and pictures to create themes around a basic idea. The best way to visualize a mind map is to think of an old tree with many, many braches. Mind maps allow users to graphically display information on a topic; people will tend to use them to creatively brainstorm ideas. Here’s an example of a Mind Map:
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For today, we will have you create a mind map around your meaningful work. To start, write a synopsis of your meaningful work statement as your central theme in the middle of the paper. For this mind map activity, we will draw five branches from this theme: Business, Creative, Scientific/Research/ Social/Political, and Teaching. We will use the thought-provoking prompts within each of category to help extend the branches our map. Your answer to the prompts would become a branch from the main category. For example, one of the prompts for Business is ‘name a job/employment opportunity…”; you could create a branch from Business that identifies a specific job that you could obtain in that area.
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Desired Feelings
When most people think of dreams, they think of things they want to accomplish in their lifetime; however, a lot of time these dreams don't have much substance behind them. What's usually missing: Desired Feelings? Ask yourself these questions:
• How do I want to feel when I accomplish my dreams?
• How do I want to feel when I'm engaged in meaningful work?
• How do you want to feel when you’re being the best version of yourself?
Imagine what your life would be like if your values, work, goals, and dreams were based on your deepest feelings – the things that really drive you on a daily basis. Use the list on the next two pages to pick words that describe how you want to FEEL in your life – in your work, in your play, as you start each day. Take time to not only pick words that seem to fit best with you; pick words that resonate with you at the deepest levels of your soul. So deep, that they may even evoke some type of strong, positive emotion in you when you see them, hear them, feel them! Think about how you want to feel today and every day. You may also want to identify your choices based on the question: “What feelings do I want to have with my (or in my) __________?” and use these options to complete the sentence: work, career, education, money, lifestyle, family, friends, relationships, health, well-being, fun, recreation, religion, spirituality, and personal growth. Once a desired feeling is chosen, take a few seconds to ask yourself, “Why is this feeling important to me?” That may help you narrow you’re your choices. Note: If a word is not listed here that you'd like to use, feel free to list it among your choices.
Accepted
Accomplished
Adored
Admired
Affectionate
Affluent
Aligned
Alive
Alluring
Amazed
Animated
Appreciated
Approved
Aroused
Artistic
Astonished
At ease
At peace
Attractive
Authentic
Awakened
Aware
Awesome
Balanced
Beautiful
Believable
Beloved
Better
Blessed
Bliss
Blossomed
Bold
Brave
Breathless
Bright
Brilliant
Bubbly
Calm
Capable
Cared about
Cared for
Carefree
Centered
Certain
Challenged
Changed
Charmed
Cheerful
Cherished
Clarity
Clear
Clever
Close
Colorful
Comfortable
Comforted
Comical
Committed
Committed to
Compassionate
Compelled
Competent
Complete
Confident
Connected
Considered
Contented
Courageous
Craved
Creative
Curious
Daring
Dazzled
Decadent
Dedicated
Delicious
Dependable
Deserving
Desired
Determined
Devoted
Dignified
Disciplined
Distinguished
Divine
Dynamic
Ecstatic
Educated
Effective
Effervescent
Efficient
Elated
Electrified
Embraced
Empowered
Enchanted
Encouraged
Energized
Energetic
Engaged
Enlightened
Enlivened
Enthralled
Enthusiastic
Entrepreneurial
Envied
Essential
Euphoric
Exceptional
Excited
Exhilarated
Exotic
Exquisite
Extraordinary
Fabulous
Fantastic
Fascinated
Fashionable
Feminine
Festive
Fired up
Flawless
Flowery
Focused
Fortunate
Free
Fresh
Friendly
Frisky
Fulfilled
Full of energy
Full of life
Fun
Fun-loving
Future-oriented
Generous
Genuine
Giddy
Gifted
Glamorous
Glorious
Glowing
Good
Gorgeous
Gothic
Graceful
Grateful
Great
Groovy
Grounded
Grown-up
Gutsy
Handsome
Happy
Harmonious
Healthy
Helpful
Heroic
Holistic
Honest
Honorable
Hopeful
Hospitable
Hot
Humble
Humored
Idolized
Illuminated
Imaginative
Impeccable
Important
Impulsive
In control
Incredible
Independent
Influential
Innovative
Inquisitive
Insightful
Inspired
Intelligent
Intimate
Intrigued
Introspective
Inventive
Invigorated
Invincible
Involved
Irresistible
Jazzed
Jolly
Jovial
Joyous
Jubilant
Juicy
Kind
Knowledgeable
Laid-back
Learned
Leaned-on
Legitimate
Level-headed
Liberated
Liked
Listened to
Literate
Lively
Loved
Lovely
Luminous
Luscious
Luxurious
Magical
Magnificent
Majestic
Marvelous
Masculine
Mature
Meditative
Mellow
Merry
Mindful
Motivated
Moved
Natural
Needed
Noble
Noticed
Nourished
Nurtured
Optimistic
Organized
Original
Outgoing
Outrageous
Outstanding
Overjoyed
Pampered
Passionate
Peaceful
Perfect
Perky
Playful
Pleasant
Pleased
Pleasure
Poised
Popular
Positive
Powerful
Praised
Precious
Prepared
Prestigious
Pretty
Pristine
Prized
Productive
Professional
Progressive
Prominent
Prosperous
Proud
Provocative
Pumped up
Purposeful
Qualified
Quiet
Quirky
Radiant
Radical
Ravishing
Re-energized
Ready
Reassured
Rebellious
Reborn
Receptive
Recharged
Recognized
Redeemed
Refined
Reflective
Refreshed
Rejuvenated
Relaxed
Reliable
Relieved
Religious
Remarkable
Renewed
Renowned
Replenished
Resilient
Respected
Responsible
Restored
Revered
Revitalized
Revived
Revolutionary
Rich
Right
Robust
Romantic
Safe
Sassy
Satisfied
Saved
Secure
Seductive
Self-accepted
Self-assured
Self-confident
Self-disciplined
Self-expressed
Self-loved
Self-reflective
Self-reliant
Self-satisfied
Selfless
Sensational
Sensual
Serene
Serendipitous
Sexy
Significant
Simple
Skilled
Smart
Smooth
Sociable
Soft-hearted
Solid
Sophisticated
Sparkling
Special
Spectacular
Spirited
Spiritual
Splendid
Spontaneous
Stable
Stellar
Stimulated
Strengthened
Stretched
Strong
Stunning
Stupendous
Successful
Sunny
Super
Superb
Superior
Surprised
Supported
Surprised
Sweet
Tenacious
Tenderness
Terrific
Thankful
Thrilled
Tickled
Touched
Tranquil
Transformed
Tremendous
Triumphant
Trustworthy
Truthful
Turned on
Unburdened
Understood
Unique
United
Unlimited
Uplifted
Valiant
Validated
Valued
Vibrant
Victorious
Visionary
Vivacious
Welcomed
Whimsical
Whole
Wise
Witty
Wonderful
Worthy
Wow
Youthful
Yummy
Zany
Zesty
Once you decide on the words that best describe how you want to feel, write down five (5) to ten (10) that fit you best. Make sure these 5 to 10 feelings best describes how you want to feel, starting today. See them, feel them, and let them soak in your consciousness. Imagine that these are the words that will bring you the focus and clarity you need to direct your life – now and in the future.
Your Best Self Vision Activity
Your Best Self Introduction
• “When you are living the best version of yourself, you inspire others to live the best versions of themselves.” - Steve Maraboli
• “Do you. For you. And for us. Focus on being the best version of yourself, every day. Don't compare yourself to anyone else or worry about what they’re doing. What we need is more of you." – Bill Johnson
Choice. You get to choose, in each and every moment in your life, what you want your life to look like. So, who do YOU want to be? The Your Best Self Visioning Activity provides you an opportunity to describe what you want your life to look like in the future. How do you want to be one year from now? Five years from now? Ten years from now? At some point in the future? This activity answers the question: “Who do I want to be?” As a starting point, use the following questions to jot down ideas what the Your Best Self would look like:
• How do I want to feel?
• How do I want others to see me?
• How do I want to interact with those are close to me?
• How do I want to interact with the world?
• What will guide my actions and decisions on a daily basis?
• How will I be in service to something bigger than myself?
• What are the qualities that I value most in life?
• What are some personal characteristics I would like to further develop?
• How can I increase my sense of self-worth?
• How can I strive to be better every day?
Your Twitter Pitch may include words or phrases from the previous activities, such as your values, your strengths, your talents and gifts, your interests, the people you’d like to serve, your purpose statement, your meaningful work, and/or your desired feelings.
Or, try this to visualize what your best self might look like (from the article “What is Your Best Possible Self?” - )
• Take a few minutes to select a future time period (5 years from now) and imagine that at that time you are expressing your best possible self strongly. Visualize your best possible self in a way that is very pleasing to you and that you are interested in.
• Imagine it in close details where you have worked hard and succeeded at accomplishing your life goals. You might think of this as reaching your full potential, hitting an important milestone, or realizing one of your life dreams. The point is not to think of unrealistic fantasies, rather, things that are positive and attainable within reason.
• After you have a fairly clear image, write about the details. Writing your best possible self down helps to create a logical structure for the future and can help you move from the realm of foggy ideas and fragmented thoughts to concrete, real possibilities.
Create your statement with the intent that they are the words that get you excited to get out of bed in the morning. Use the space below (or another sheet of paper) to write your thoughts/answers to the questions and/or visualization:
Why is it important to create a vision of Your Best Self? What the world needs is for you to be your most authentic self. And the Your Best Self Activity provides a vision for you to share your greatest self - to you and to the world.
Your Best Self Twitter Pitch
This activity will have you write a statement that describes the Your Best Self as a 160-Character Twitter Pitch. Write your statement to describe what you want Your Best Self to look like five to seven years down the road. Use the information from the previous activity to identify specific aspects of your life that are important to you, then condense this information into the 160-character Twitter Pitch. It may describe specific characteristics about you, how you want to feel, what you’d like to be doing in work, in play, or any other setting. You want to create a statement so profound that it inspires you to jump out of bed in the morning! Feel free to include any of the results from previous activities, such as the I Am Statements, your values, your personality type, your strengths, etc. Remember, this is YOUR BEST SELF – not what other people want you to be. Also remember that it must be 160-charaters and written with a view towards the future. P.S. In case you didn’t know, 160-charaters include characters, numbers, punctuation marks, spaces, and symbols.
Bill’s Example (152 characters): Exceptional health. Living with purpose and meaning. Optimizing lives. Contributing to something bigger than myself. 1% better every day. #BillsBestSelf
Other examples:
• I intentionally cultivate self-worth and I see that reflected in all that I do. I commit to living the best version of myself every day. (140 characters)
• Initiate positive attitudes and share my never-say-die spirit. Inspire and motivate others to discover and develop their potential and live life to fullest. (160 characters)
• Be a motivational leader and help all the people who come to me. Be a truthful, family-oriented loving person, travel the world, and enjoy life. (148 characters)
• Grow very close to God and help people that are in dire need. Appreciate the challenges of life and be a good ambassador to my generation. (142 characters)
• Laugh loud a lot. Spend time in nature. Serve others. Continue to grow and expand. Live my truth and with integrity. Love freely and accept love. Serenity. (159 characters)
• Serve children and families through teaching art and gardening to enhance values and be a part of their lives to inspire creativity and see dreams come true. (159 characters)
Use the space below to write you’re Your Best Self 160-character Twitter Pitch:
Want a challenge? After you complete Your Best Self 160-character Twitter Pitch, share it with friends and family.
Your Best Self Dreams
Definition of a Dream:
• a most desirable, ideal aspiration or goal
• a thought or image of something you desire in life
• a state of things as you wish them to be
I found this great description of the difference between dreams and goals by Thomas Conley () and Carla Birnberg ()
• A Dream = Some Future Outcome. A Goal = Some Future Action.
• Dreams provide you with the vision of where you want to go. They are your blueprint for your future life. You can’t achieve a dream. You can only realize a dream.
• Goals are your construction team. They are the workers that help transform your dreams into reality. You can achieve goals only through action. Too many confuse a dream and a goal. They seek to achieve a dream. Dreams can’t be achieved. They can only be realized. You realize your dreams by creating goals around each one of your dreams and then pursue each goal by taking action.
• Dreams require a vision of some future objective. Goals, on the other hand, require that you take actions (and do the work) that will transform your dreams into reality.
• Dreams are about the destination, Goals are about the journey. Dreams are the “what.” Goals are the “how.”
• (1) Goals are dreams with timelines. (2) Goals have a specific outcome and an ending – dreams do not. (3) Dreams are motivating and inspiring. Goals are life-altering and life changing. (4) Goals demand work and are depleting. Dreams are easy and not constrained by reality.
• "We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort." - Jesse Owens
The Your Best Self Dreams Activity will have you identify specific dreams for creating and living your best life. Instead of coming up with a bucket list of dreams you'd like to accomplish at some point in your life, this activity is focused on you identifying specific dreams that will move you towards creating the best version of yourself – dreams that are aligned with you optimizing your life, becoming a better person, and providing opportunities to utilize your talents and gifts in greater service to the world. Really take the time to think about the vision of your best life.
For this activity, you get to choose how far into the future your dreams are focused on developing the best version of you: Option 1: ONE YEAR into the future, or Option 2: FIVE (5) TO SEVEN (7) YEARS down the road. As you decide on your timeline and the specific dreams for each of the eight categories below, you'll also need to identify WHY you believe this particular dream will move you towards becoming the best version of yourself. Why is this particular dreams important for me being my best self? What feelings will I have if I accomplish this dream? Is this dream tied to your values, your strengths, your meaningful work, your desired feelings, or something else that’s meaningful for you? This activity will help you answer the question, "What do I want MOST from/for my life, so that I can be my best self?" You will need to come up with A MINIMUM of at least EIGHT DREAMS - one dream for each of the categories listed below - as well as the why/reason for that dream. What do YOU need to do to become the best version of yourself?
Below are examples in these eight categories to help you identify your specific dreams:
• Work/Career/Education - Start a business, get high school/college/professional degree, get a certificate, find a job/employment, identify your career/vocation, be a mentor to someone, join a professional organization or association, create a professional group.
• Money/Finances - Increase income, reduce debt, create retirement, savings, create an emergency fund, limit spending/expenses, get health care benefits, reduce taxes, create budget, give to charity
• Lifestyle/Social - Purchase clothing, buy a house, buy a vehicle, buy electronics and/or technology equipment, engage in community work, improve self-image, start on-line dating profile
• Family/Friends/Relationships - Spend quality time/develop meaningful connections with parents, spouse/life partner, siblings, children, relatives, childhood friends, pets, co-workers/colleagues, bosses, roommates
• Personal Growth/Self-Practice - Live according to values/life purpose, work on goals/dreams, learn new skills; manage time/energy/life, get organized, reduce clutter, eliminate bad habits, create rituals/systems
• Health/Well-Being - Address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life, learn to relax, exercise on a regular basis, improve/change diet/nutrition, increase happiness, reduce stress
• Recreation/Fun - Travel to places of significance to you, go on an adventure, play/watch sports, listen to music, learn to play an instrument, create arts/crafts projects, engage in hobbies, write for fun or for pay, increase amount of play time, cook/make food, join a club
• Religion/Spirituality - Develop regular practice of prayer, church attendance, etc., read scriptures, increase belief in/worship higher power, increase faith, worship, serve the less fortunate, engage in meditation/yoga
It may help get your thought process going by starting with the sentence, "To become my best self in __________ (category), my dream is to __________ (describe dream) because __________ (reason why).” Remember, you must identify the dream AND the reason why this dream is important to you. You don't need to include "how" you will achieve your dreams - that will come later. For now, focus on the specific dream and why it's important for you to achieve/complete each particular dream. If you want a greater challenge – add a deadline to your dream and start to turn it into a goal!
Your Best Self Dreams Worksheet
|Work/Career/Education (and why this particular dream will help you become |Money/Finance (and why this particular dream will help you become your |
|your best self) |best self) |
|Lifestyle/Social (and why this particular dream will help you become your |Family/Friends/Relationships (and why this particular dream will help you |
|best self) |become your best self) |
|Personal Growth/Self-Practice (and why this particular dream will help you|Health/Well-Being (and why this particular dream will help you become your|
|become your best self) |best self) |
|Recreation/Fun (and why this particular dream will help you become your |Religion/Spirituality (and why this particular dream will help you become |
|best self) |your best self) |
As you list your dreams, make sure to be as specific as possible; the more specific you make it, it will be easier to track and complete. Specificity includes specific action, specific indiviudals, and/or a specific time frame. For example:
• “I plan to eat healthy every day.” (Not specific enough)
• “I will eat at least one piece of fruit every day at lunch for the next month.” (Specific action and specific deadline)
As you come up with your best self dream list, focus on how your life will change once you complete each of your dreams. The best time to start – NOW!!!
Your Best Self Obstacles
Now that you’ve created Your Best Self Twitter Pitch and a list of Dreams to move you towards Your Best Self, know that there will be obstacles along the way to keep you from creating this best version of you. You may have difficulties because of external circumstances and/or because of internal beliefs you have about yourself. Use the categories and examples below to identify the obstacles that might stand in your way of becoming the best version of yourself:
• Undesirable Habits: procrastinating; disorganization; indecisive; lazy/unmotivated; irresponsible.
• Limiting Beliefs: I’m too…; I can’t afford that; I’ve always been this way; He or she won’t let me; I don’t deserve…
• Unhealthy Relationships: mother/father; life partner/spouse; children; friends; boss; brothers/sisters.
• Distractions: economy; housework; your past; your physical appearance; your health; the weather.
• Fears: failure, rejection; success; disappointment; recognition; change; looking stupid; increase expectations.
• Lack of: money; resources; knowledge; support; time; confidence; imagination; alternatives; help.
Now, to minimize the effect of these statements, you can use the following quick exercise to reduce/minimize your obstacles from overtaking your thoughts. These if/then statements are useful to help you combat negative thinking and keep you focused on moving forward toward Your Best Self. First, insert one of the obstacles in the “If” part of the statement; for the “Then” part of the statement, choose a positive thought or action you’ll take when the obstacles comes up. Example: “If I procrastinate on an important project, then I will work on it for at least one minute just to get started.”
• If ________________________________________, then ________________________________________.
Make sure to place this statement in a place where you can see it as a reminder to move forward on your dreams!
Now, it’s time to get moving on those dreams!
Starting Today, I will choose to be My Best Self!
Idea Exchange Worksheet
Dream #1:
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Dream #2:
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List of Ideas
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Jump– Steve Harvey
(Video: )
This last activity will get you to commit to taking a leap of faith and moving forward in your life. This video by Steve Harvey occurred after an episode of Family Feud, when he decided to take a few minutes to talk to the audience. As you watch this video, think about what a “jump” would look like for you in your life – and the jump you’re willing to take to move forward. Use the question below to jot down your thoughts about your jump.
What does “jump” mean to you? What would a “jump” look like for you?
If you had to make a “jump,” who would get to help and/or support you? Why would you want this person to help you make that “jump?”
Make the commitment - What are at least one “jump” you will make by the end of the week? By the end of the month? By the end of the year?
Share your thoughts about your “jump” with at least one other person.
Contact Information
Bill Johnson
Student Success Navigator, Life Design Catalyst Coach and Lead Facilitator, Instructor
Life Design Center/Advising and Personal Development Center
School of Health and Human Sciences
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Office e-mail: whjohnso@uncg.edu
Office/Business phone: 336-207-6795
Bill’s Dream Dean Blog:
Megan Delph Cayton
Student Success Navigator, Life Design Catalyst Coach and Facilitator, Instructor
Life Design Center/Advising and Personal Development Center
School of Health and Human Sciences
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Office e-mail: mcdelph@uncg.edu
Office/Business phone: 614-284-1443
Megan’s Blog:
UNCG web site:
Life Design Catalyst sites:
• Home:
• Facebook Group: Life Design Catalyst Coaching
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