Using your Strategic Thinking to Create the Life You Want? That's exactly what I do, which is nice to get it validated!
So to give you a little bit of context around this article in the Harvard Business Review. It's about using your Strategic Thinking skills that you'd use in an organisation to design your life. This is exactly what Design Your Life on Purpose seeks to achieve, where we craft a wholistic Strategic Life Map to answer the question - now what?
Strategic Thinking in Design Your Life on Purpose (DYLOP)
I agree with the HBR article in that everyone is unique, so you can decide what success looks like in your life.
I think focusing on you is infinitely more important than some of the stuff that we do in work. I know work creates a very real sense of well-being and contribution to society but we really need to put that same amount of attention to your life. One of favourite pieces of feedback that I've had from my program is that 'You can't decide your career direction until you've decided your life direction'.
Very true! - stuff I agree with
Another point of overlap that DYLOP has to the article is we've got a very similar approach the steps involved - even the name is uncannily similar! They call it ‘Strategise Your Life’, I say that you end up with a Strategic Life Map. They also agree that often it's triggered by a life event. The kids could go to uni, or you could have been made redundant. It can sometimes just be that never ending march of time where you start thinking ‘I really think I need to do something different than what I'm doing now’.
Umm! - Stuff I disagree with
Now with what I disagree with. In the beginning of the article it talks about taking just a few hours. I find that a little bit doubtful for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, if this is the first time you've done this then your brain's going to take a moment to get into this new frame of thinking. This is hard work and so it's going to take you a little moment to get there. I feel that there's some assumed pre-work happening here. Doing a yearly review of past activity or past results is needed to get foundations in place to make informed decisions.
Secondly, I disagree with the setting of Objectives and Key Results (OKR's). I understand the reasons why organisations put them in, I often find that they can feel a bit burdensome, especially when you're exploring different things that you want to do with your life. It can feel a bit too much like work and cause you to feel like you've got no separation between the two. From a neuroscience perspective having the OKR's can feel like we're constantly failing until we fulfil the success criteria, which can cause a downward spiral of our self-esteem and thinking patterns. My method still generates actions it's just in a very different way.
DYLOP - Constantly improving
What I really liked was there was some really nice builds mentioned in the article. Getting more explicit about having the end in mind, it's there in the DYLOP program but it's probably a little bit more subtle. I've come to the same conclusion myself to sort of ‘amp’ that up more recently.
I really like the models of measurement that they've got there as well the PERMA-V from Martin Seligman's work on Flourish, the SLA or the Strategic Life Areas - it's a whole lot like the life wheel with a lot more detail to it.
Most importantly -
this is what I am proud of!
I'm proud that I managed to come to the same conclusion as arguably some of the best consultant companies in the world (BCG - Boston Consulting Group). So yay brain!
I did this without a research team behind me, it's just me that worked all of this out.
It also took me around about 10 years, and it took BCG around about the same time. They ultimately reached the same premise that I had that - if you work strategically with corporates it's extremely translatable to mapping out those same practices to your personal life.
So if you want to move from directionless to purposeful and make 2024 your year then the check out all the exciting DYLOP program details and dates below.
DYLOP - IRL (In Real Life)
Saturday, 16th of March (full day)
The 1 day workshop covers all the 4 modules in the methodology, REFLECTION REVOLUTION, DREAM QUEST, DIRECTIONAL DESIGN, ANCHOR to get you well underway with your Strategic Life Map, including support mechanisms to use after. All tools and templates are provided for you as reference.
The venue has been chosen to be inspirational and relaxing. Throughout the day nourishing and comforting food will sustain you.
People choose this format because….
They can focus on the outcome of a Strategic Life Map in the day. The one day is all about them and what they want.
The DYLOP in real life (IRL) Quest Workshop runs with numbers between 4-12 to create a intimate and safe space.
DYLOP Virtual Workshop
11th of April to the 16th May, 6 week online program
The online version of DYLOP is delivered over 4 live coaching sessions, over 4 weeks. The first 3 sessions are 1.5 hours long and the last session 2 hours long. It covers all 4 modules, in the methodology, REFLECTION REVOLUTION, DREAM QUEST, DIRECTIONAL DESIGN, ANCHOR to get you well underway with your Strategic Life Map, including support mechanisms to use after. All tools and templates are provided for you as reference.
People choose this format because…
They like time to process information and percolate between sessions. The time also allows for actions to be taken between the sessions.
The DYLOP Virtual (online) Quest runs with numbers from 4-20 is a good size to create a intimate and safe space.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX - COMMON ACROSS BOTH FORMATS?
Reflection Revolution Preparation - Preparation before we start, reflecting on the last 12 months will prime you for change. Templates from the Reflection Revolution part of the Methodology will be shared prior to commencing.
3 Month ‘Group’ Coaching - you will be surprised how much you and the group have achieved in 3 months, inspiration assured.
3 Month ‘On on One’ Coaching - All about you! Focusing on you and what you need to progress your dreams
Invitation to attend DYLOP Coterie - Now you have graduated from DYLOP, you will be invited to the Alumni membership, where you will plan the next year, and progress your dream
one-on-one Coaching session
Customized for you and your pace - exactly what you need it to be.
Early Bird Special!
If you sign up before the 16th of February with the code ‘EBDYLOP’ you’ll also receive a special discount for the program.
What is Design Your Life on Purpose?
So you might be wondering ‘what is this design your life on purpose quest’ and what does that mean?
The Design Your Life on Purpose quest has been developed over 10 years using elements from my own research. The inspiration for the program came when I left a gig that was quite demoralizing and I knew I needed a shake-up.
I've tested it not only on myself but also on on coaching clients to make sure everything works perfectly. At the end of the program you'll end up crafting a strategic life map which will give you a guide for the next 12 months.
