Bruce Kasanoff* has developed a process that has helped him to discover — and to serve as a constant reminder — of what really matters to him.
Roughly a decade ago, I stopped trying to come up with The Next Big Idea and started investing my energy into helping others remember — and act upon — what matters most to them.
The impetus for my shift was the recognition that most people already know the right things to do, but they often need a bit of support and encouragement to actually do them.
Over the years, I’ve come to recognise that one of the main reasons why we don’t always do the right thing is because we only have a vague sense of what we want and what matters most.
This is why I now am somewhat obsessed with writing down what I believe and want.
On my website, I have a comprehensive page that outlines my personal credo; it even includes a slide deck.
Although many thousands of people have seen these materials, I didn’t write them for you. I wrote them to bring clarity to my own thoughts and actions.
When, about six months ago, I came across John Strelecky’s Big Five for Life concept, it resonated with me and I created these for myself.
Peace in me, peace in the world; cherish relationships; be creative; connect the dots, and treasure the outdoors.
Your Big Five are the five things you want to maximise in your life.
They are not goals, but rather ways that you can spend your life. I love the concept because it is both aspirational and energising.
One last example of how writing down what matters most can benefit you.
In 2010, I received a leather-bound journal as a gift; it even has handmade paper.
I only write one thing in it: My best ideas.
When I get excited by a project or concept, I use the journal to work out the details.
By the way, my personal credo evolved from notes I made in this journal.
To do a better job of focusing on what matters most — and to better understand what you want from life — write it down.
This isn’t something you do once and forget; it’s a process that should continue for the rest of your life.
*Bruce Kasanoff is the founder of The Journey, a newsletter for positive, uplifting and accomplished professionals. He is also an executive coach and social media ghostwriter for entrepreneurs. He can be contacted at kasanoff.com.
This article first appeared at kasanoff.com.
