What are you going to leave behind for the world when you turn to dust?
Activity Context
Understanding why you are doing something, what it is made up of, how you will get there and what you will leave behind is a key part to any business venture (or as an individual). It lays the foundation for the activities, products or actions you take. Finding the answers to what is my purpose, vision, mission, values and legacy give you a guiding light in a world of distraction. Once set it also gives a group a common reason to work on a project.
For this activity each of these words are designed to extract specific information from you, each has its purpose for being used and will become the steps you need to take, the guide you use to make sure you are on track.
Purpose:
This is the ‘why’, why are you doing what it is you are doing. In the personal development world, it is considered they key thing to figure out in life. If you know your purpose and live it, everything else will fall into place. Thought I do agree with that way of thinking, the concept has been turned into the Holy Grail and has become unobtainable and definable for many. In the context of this activity the goal is to make it obvious, obtainable and actionable. It is simply the why you are going to do something.
Visions:
This is the ‘what’, what are you moving towards. What exactly is going to happen when you are living your purpose, what are you doing, what are people getting, what has happened as a result of your actions. The vision is what you as an individual is moving towards, or what a group of people are trying to achieve.
Mission:
This is the ‘how’, how are you going to achieve your purpose & vision. How are you going to get to what you what to produce? It is the products, tools and actions you are going to take.
Values:
Values are what keeps you on track, they are the result of your family, schooling, religion, friends and up bringing. Developed from birth to the age of 21 where they are generally fixed for life. Values are what you hold as important in life & business. Values are thinks like honesty, courage and loyalty. They can be anything that is important to you, and it is what will keep you moving towards your mission, vision and purpose.
Legacy:
Your legacy is what you leave behind. Come the day you die (or stop doing what it is you have been doing) what will you leave for your children (boss, business or friends). In the context of life, what are you leaving your family when you depart. In the context of business, if you were to sell, what would you be selling. Finding your legacy, what you would leave behind can be one of the best places to start when thinking about how your values will guide you, how you will produce what you will leave behind (mission), what your vision is for the things you produce and the purpose for doing it.
The Activity
Start by picking the context, do you want to do this activity for a business or for your personal life.
(Circle / highlight / bold your choice)
Business / Personal
Starting wherever comes naturally, work through each heading and write down any and all thoughts that come to your mind. Why are you doing what you are doing, what is it that you will do, how will you do it and what will be left behind.
Fill in each heading:
Purpose (Why):
…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….……………………
Vision (What):
…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….……………………
Mission (How):
…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….……………………
Legacy (What is Left Behind):
…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….……………………
Once you have filled in each heading, ask yourself the following question.
When I think about my purpose, vision, mission & legacy, what is important to me in the context of these. You are looking for your values, list out everything that comes to mind.
You are looking for individual words like ‘trust’ or ‘connection’. Individual words that have meaning for you, that strike a chord and if you did not have would mean you could not go forward with the project.
In the context of my purpose, vision, mission and legacy above it is important to me that I have………….
…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….……………………
If I had all of the things above, it would also be important that I have…..
…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….…………………………………….……………………
Once you have your list of values, things that are important to you, look through the list and number the top ten most important values to you. These now become your top ten values in this business or life. They are the things that guide you and keep you on track.
Once you have completed this activity, make a point of reviewing it and updating it when things change. Also, if you would like me to review the work you have done, find me on socials, connect and let’s have a conversation.
An example: Becoming O.P
Our Purpose: Connecting and Growing Together
At Becoming O.P. our purpose is straightforward: “To connect with people so that together we can learn, be better, and succeed.” This purpose is the heartbeat of everything we do. It’s about creating a community where learning and growth are not just goals but a continuous process we embark on together.
Our Vision: A Guiding Light
Our vision is a beacon that guides our path: “To work daily with entrepreneurs, businesses, and driven individuals, helping them identify who they are, what they are here to do, and how to get there.” This vision is not just about achieving business success; it’s about helping each individual find their unique trajectory towards personal and professional fulfillment.
Our Values: The Pillars of Our Identity
Becoming O.P. values authenticity, pragmatism, courage, family, fortitude, principled action, learning, and honesty. These values are not just words on a page; they are the essence of our interactions, decisions, and strategies. They remind us to stay true to ourselves, to be practical yet daring, and to value the learning journey as much as the destination.
Our Legacy: What We Leave Behind
Our legacy is about the impact we aim to leave: “Teaching people how to be successful in life and business, no matter what they do, or where they are heading in life”. We aspire to redefine personal development in the context of work, influencing not just entrepreneurs but every individual who seeks to make a meaningful contribution to their field.
Mission Statement of Becoming O.P.: Empowering people
At Becoming O.P. our mission is to empower individuals and businesses to realise their full potential. We strive to provide insightful strategies, tools, and guidance that enable our community to transform their visions into reality. Through a blend of personal and professional development techniques, we aim to foster an environment of continuous learning, innovation, and growth. Our commitment lies in helping each member of our community to not only identify their unique strengths and values but to leverage them effectively in creating a meaningful and impactful career and life path.
Incorporating these elements into your life or business isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about aligning your daily actions with a larger purpose and vision. It’s about making decisions that resonate with your values and moving towards a legacy that reflects your deepest aspirations.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone exploring the next steps in life, consider how your purpose, vision, values, and legacy can serve as your map. Let them guide you, inspire you, and keep you anchored as you navigate the complexities of your journey.
Remember, your map is unique to you, but the journey is something we share. Let’s embark on this adventure together, with Becoming O.P. as your companion, mentor, and fellow traveler.
Rock and Roll,
Rob
P.S. What’s the one thing you don’t do, that would cause the most positive change in your life?
