“To have more than you’ve got, become more than you are.”

Jim Rohn

What is it that you really want to have? I don’t read this quote through the lens of “stuff” or possessions. That is an earthly and short-term view. What is that you want to have that truly matters? How do you solve for this? Here’s one way to approach the challenge.

Get out pad of paper and write down one-word answers to the following question: “What are the adjectives that best describe the behaviors or values that I want to define my life in 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and beyond?” If at all possible do not use multiple word phrases. Use one word answers that make you think through the meaning and drill down to the essence of what truly matters.

Next, circle the five that are MOST important to you. Then narrow it down to the three that really and truly matter. This is going to be a lot harder than it sounds! If it helps use this question as a way to help you through the process of elimination. “If I don’t achieve this I will seriously regret it for the rest of my life.”

Some of the words that come to mind for me and that I am currently thinking through (not in any order) are; Faith, Purpose, Family, Impact, Humility, Service, Gratitude, Focus, Growth, Change. It’s a work in progress, but such an impactful exercise.

Once you have your top 3 identified the hard work starts. The good news is that the question is simple. “What do I need to start, stop or continue in my life in order to make this an absolute reality?” This will not be an easy exercise or process of addition, elimination or escalation. But understanding what is truly important, and then planning the work necessary to complete it is how you not only become more than who you are but you become the person that you were meant to be.