The mountain I live on is filled with numerous logging roads and trails that intersect and connect all over the mountain. If you are not familiar with the mountain, (or do not have a trail map or app), a person can easily get turned around and feel lost up there. (Believe me, I have!)
Thankfully, some wise folks have taken the time to label trails, number the logging roads, and even painted some rocks. I find it is much easier to say, “I’ll meet you at blue rock” than, “Hike up logging road 2300 for 1.3 miles until you come to the next logging road...”
Navigating your path by some type of guiding object(s) has been around for centuries. Ancestors of old often used stars or cairns (stacked stones) to indicate the way. Some Native American tribes used “marker trees” (ones that they were able to bend and stake) to show which way to travel.
“Direction, not intention, determines destination.” Andy Stanley
How do you use navigational markers to guide your decisions in your life, career and business?
A good way to start is to ask yourself four simple questions. These questions are not new and have actually been floating around in the business/nonprofit world for years.
In fact, the key concept for each question is most likely very familiar to you… mission, vision, strategy, and values.
In Michael Hyatt’s book, The Vision Driven Leader, he talks about these four elements as being highly important to caste the vision, navigate, and guide a business or nonprofit. What I love about his description of each of these key elements is his practical and simple explanation of each.
Mission: Who you are
Vision: Where you’re going
Strategy: How you are going to get there
Values: The kind of people you are along the way.
Good businesses/nonprofits become great when these four elements are well thought out and lived out!
Let’s Get Personal
Mission, vision, strategy, and values are necessary for businesses, teams, employees to become great, but what about you? If these four key concepts work in the professional realm, then why not for your personal life?
If you want more success and fulfillment in your life, set aside some time to reflect, ponder and write on these four questions:
Mission: Who am I in my sphere of influence, community and even globally?
Vision: What direction am I going? (Where do I want to be in 1, 5, 10 years?)
Strategy: How am I going to get there? (What is The Plan?)
Values: What kind of person do I want to be? (How do I want to act? How can I show up as my “best” self?)
Rocks, stones, four key questions… navigational markers for life and business. They can guide you to reach your goals successfully and create the future you want!
If you would like help in developing your plan for success with these four key questions, then coaching may be a great fit for you. Contact Carol for a complimentary 20-minute session.
Comments