As an experienced marketer who happens to love brand, one of the things I’ve often coached (mentored, advised) people on is building their personal brand. Here’s what that means: helping people articulate what they stand for and who they are in a way that’s personal, relateable and memorable.

Today, in part one, I am adding something new to my approach. Based on information I learned in coaching school, I want to start with helping you do a personal exercise to identify what matters most to you to clarify your direction.

Setting intention has been shown to be a powerful way to get what you want. So before we get into the steps I usually take, let’s start here. If you struggle with the exercise, you might want to start with the Wheel of Life to help clarify your priorities. Let me know what you think!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZP7KoB_tI8[/embedyt]

Or listen to the podcast

Here’s the exercise

Preface: you can do this at any time. Doing this today, will reflect how you’re feeling today. Things might change, so you might want to revisit this exercise when your circumstances or perspective change.

On a piece of paper, draw four columns across the page. You can label them 1, 2, 3, 4 so if I refer to it, you’ll know which column.

In column 1: write down the three things you want most out of life right now.

In column 2: write down three things you’d like to do in your lifetime.

In column 3: write down three things that make you unique. (Yes, there are things that make you unique – it doesn’t mean other people don’t also have these traits, but in you, it’s special.)

In column 4: write down three improvements you can undertake (things you want to change, improve, create).

Now, for each column, choose one thing that really resonates for you. The one that speaks to you, maybe feels most true or most important.

Now the reveal

This works a bit like MadLibs. Write a sentence that goes like this:

I will [insert your column four choice here], using my [insert your column three choice here], to accomplish [insert your column two choice here], and in so doing, also [insert your column one choice here].

This is your new mission statement! If you want to share, shoot me an email. I’d love to hear what it is!