Let’s start by looking at the diagram below. Placing yourself in the centre, does it accurately depict your life and relationships? If not, redraw the rings to fit your circumstances better; for example, you may feel friends are more important than family or think work relationships should be closer to you in the centre. Whatever it is, draw the circles as you see fit.
* you, your physical self, your thoughts, your feelings
** e.g. other clubs, networks, church, educational links
*** the world generally. Total strangers who bump into you physically or virtually (online) etc.
Imagine yourself standing at the centre of the rings with your beliefs, thoughts and feelings, looking out towards the circles of life. I bet this is similar to how you’ve viewed your future until now.
Now step into the next ring and ask yourself the following questions:
- What does it mean to live well in this circle of my life?
- How do I want to behave, think and feel?
- Who am I becoming?
Then, imagine turning around, putting yourself in the shoes of those within the circle, looking back at yourself in the centre and asking:
- How do I want the people in this circle of life to view or receive me?
- What values do I want to exude?
- What do I want those people to take away from an encounter with me?
Take time and make notes if it helps. If a thought fascinates you, focus on it for a while.
When ready, move on to the next ring and repeat the exercise. Don’t be surprised if your answers change with varying degrees of nuance or emphasis.
By doing this exercise, you are fleshing out the life you want to live and bringing coherent thought to your ambition.