Just because you listed your values doesn't mean you live them. In this issue, I'll give you a secret that helped me get back on track seven years ago after I exited my first company. Create or find a manifesto you resonate with.
When I sold my first company, I fell into a black hole; after all, I didn't build the company from scratch with the intention of selling it. Back then, Seth Godin had just launched a course called the AltMBA. It was an alternative to a classic MBA programme—it focussed on soft-skill development rather than teaching you hard skills like accounting. By giving all students a manifesto by mail, Seth set the tone for the programme and gave them a mindset to live by, and it made sure everyone had a shared set of values.
“
I will do the hard part first.
I will embrace emotional labour.
I will think of myself as the type of person who can and does...
And I will act that way.
I will adopt a posture of generosity, giving without hope of getting.
I will care about people and the world around me...
And I will act that way.
I will dance with fear.
I promise I will continue to keep making a ruckus.
And then I'll teach someone else to do so, too.
— Seth Godin
Instead of writing down the values in vague, bold words like Courage, Temperance, Justice, and wisdom, he added accountability through this formula: "I will + verb + value." In doing so, I started to repeat, remember and make these values my own, by making a promise to myself. Seven years later, I still use this (but slightly adjusted) manifesto. Unfortunately, 99% of people don't go further than just listing the values society expects from them.
Simply listing values like "Health" or "Family" without specifying actionable steps is too abstract.
Here are four more reasons people struggle to live in alignment with their values;
- Inconsistent Habits: Without a clear plan, it's easy to fall back into old routines that don’t reflect your values.
- External Pressures: Societal expectations and peer pressure can lead people to prioritise others' values over their own.
- Fear of Failure: Trying to live up to one's values can be daunting, and fear of not succeeding can be paralysing.
- Lack of Accountability: Without a mechanism to hold oneself accountable, it's hard to stay committed to one's values.
You can overcome these challenges. Here’s how step by step:
Step 1: Craft Your Manifesto
Defining your values in actionable terms provides clarity and direction.
Start with a template like the one above. Reflect on your core values and write them in the format: "I will + verb + value." For example, if you value kindness, you might write, "I will practice kindness daily by helping others without expecting anything in return."
A friend of mine adopted this approach, focusing on generosity. She committed to helping her neighbour struggling to go up and down the stairs to get her mail. Over time, this habit reinforced her value of generosity and enriched her life with meaningful connections and a sense of purpose.
Step 2: Implement Consistent Habits
Many people set ambitious goals without creating a sustainable plan. Unfortunately, this is why so many people burn out and fail to have a sense of purpose.
Instead of having vague, socially acceptable New Year's resolutions, break down your values into small, manageable actions. And then, schedule these actions in your daily routine to create consistency.
Someone wanting to invest in their mental health might start by dedicating 10 minutes each day to reflect on and process their emotions, gradually increasing this time as it becomes a natural part of their routine.
Step 3: Create Accountability
Accountability helps maintain commitment and fosters continuous growth.
One great way to do this, is to share your manifesto with a trusted friend or mentor. I'd like you to please discuss your progress and challenges with them regularly. Consider joining a community or group that shares similar values for additional support.
A good friend of mine who values personal growth partnered with me to brainstorm and implement new goals. This partnership keeps her motivated and accountable, leading to significant professional and personal growth.
In Conclusion:
Crafting a personal manifesto translates abstract values into concrete actions. By defining, implementing, and staying accountable to your values, you can lead a more intentional and fulfilling life. Embrace the process and watch as your life aligns more closely with your deepest values.
Remember, it's not just about listing your values but living them every day. Start today, and take the first step towards a purpose-driven existence.
For a deeper dive into crafting your personal manifesto, feel free to plan a discovery call with me. I will coach and work with you directly, reviewing your manifesto and translating it to actionable items in your agenda, ensuring you focus on the right priorities. Together, we’ll navigate your tasks, ensuring you stay on track and achieve your goals. Let’s conquer those distractions and maximize your productivity.
