Your North Star

This is that thing that you can always fall back on when in doubt - it's that thing that drives you - also known as a personal mission statement. As the world changes around you, you can rely on your North Star to be your guide. It helps you carry yourself, make wise decisions, and fuels you to do what it is you do. Try to map out all of the elements of yourself that make up what you do. Mind map it, jam with friends about it, or ruminate on it. Once you’ve highlighted all the different elements of yourself, try to find a common theme — what is the underlying message that is related to everything you do and everything you are? When Sara did this exercise with the first cohort, she was unaware of the underlying North Star. After mapping out all she was working on and everything she was about, the theme came to her — loud and clear. Everything she did was somehow related to freedom — freedom in how you spend your time, freedom of place, and helping others find freedom in their work.

What makes you, you?

Take on the role of the receiver for a minute or two. In complete silence looking into the eyes of the other person have them share what they see when they really see you. There should always be one receiver, one speaker and one observer and then switch through the roles so everyone has a go. When you are playing the observer and sharing what you see - trust your gut. You can try this one out in your pods or with a trusted group of friends. Have the observer take notes or record the session so that you can refer back to it. The first time Jonas did this exercise, here's what came up for him: Fun, self-motivated, authentic, attentive, tender, open.... (you get the idea). We are looking for adjectives and descriptive terms to capture your essence. After completing this, you can review what was shared and decide for yourself what characteristics you'd like to see more of and lean into those. And most importantly, have fun with it!

Your Crossroads

We're always changing and evolving and in many ways perpetually in transition. But when we feel we are at a bigger more significant junction - we call this a crossroad. With the lens of work perhaps you're ready to start on a project, maybe it's time to stop one, or it could be that you need to pause and reflect which is really what this exercise is all about. Look back on your career - where you've been, how you are now, and then look ahead to where you're going. Right here, right now is your crossroad. Draw it, paint, write it, sing it - most importantly name it and date it!