In the Fall of 2020 I was struggling to find purpose at work and in life. I decided to define the principles by which I was going to live and to carry out corresponding daily tasks. Enter, David Allen’s 6 Horizons of Focus®. I defined my purpose through a core values exercise (here is one such exercise), laid out the 3-5 Year and 1-2 Year ambitions, and detailed the more granular horizons accordingly.
I defined my purpose as living within these following 5 personal values:
Health
Dependability
Flexibility
Curiosity
Inspiration
If what I was doing day to day was not aligning with one of these values, then I would re-assess the intermediary horizons.
The last seven months consisted of various bouts of adversity and there have been times when I’ve lost my ‘vision’, but having a concrete purpose to realign with has helped me through. Looking back at my 3-5 Year Horizon, I’ve already began fulfilling two items:
Network: Connect with and learn from people that want to do great things.
MyMBA has allowed me to network with ambitious and curious individuals across North America, enable a growth mindset, and push me beyond my comfort zone. For example, it’s challenged me to publish this very article you are reading - something I would have never done prior to joining.
Impact: Work with corporations to reduce GHG emissions and increase sustainability.
I’ve realized the opportunity I have through working for the world’s most sustainable company, Schneider Electric. I’m taking advantage of the global reach and am aiming to work strategically with corporations to navigate digital transformations and be more sustainable.
Today, if you asked me what drives my career, I would say:
Connection and Collaboration to Solve Problems
Passion for Sustainability, Environment, Innovation and (Humane) Technology
In coming weeks we’re going to explore the path from finding your niche through to sustaining long-term leadership in your area of focus.
If you’d like to connect and discuss any personal challenges you’re facing - from finding your purpose to getting through your daily tasks - I’d love to hear from you!