 Every person longs to find meaning and how to live it. We are often distracted by an addiction to action and we constantly try to prove ourselves instead of simply, seeking, observing and waiting for wisdom.
Weaving your personal vision
At a recent networking breakfast, where I spoke about the concept of spiritual intelligence, the discussion heated up when people began to share what they would be doing with their lives if they were not afraid. One woman said, “I would have a baby”. Another man was clear that he would give up his corporate identity to pursue his dream.
What would you do if you were not afraid?
Spiritual Intelligence
The new world trend is to question whether it is possible to have purpose, passion, and profit all at the same time (this is known as Spiritual Capital).
Businesses are being challenged to consider the impact they have on the broader environment beyond their shareholders. For example: Are we aware of how we contribute to the rapid depletion of the earth’s resources? They are needing to evaluate if the employees in their organisation are fulfilled, healthy and balanced at work and at home.
Cynicism prevails, but brave leaders are shattering moulds by proving that more profit can be generated if the organisation wakes up to the realities and needs of the community, family and person with which it barters.
Does your organisation reach further than its own self-interest by serving outside of its ego?
Watch the corporate landscape transform as sustainable businesses employ Spiritual Intelligence.
What does your own Spiritual Capital Bank account look like? How much is your life governed by meaning, living what you believe and making money at the same time?
Indicators of workplace wisdom include:
• Asking “why?” through true dialogue and really digesting employees’ answers.
• Developing a strategy that considers the long-term effects of the business on the earth’s resources.
• Including a way to serve the greater good whilst being excellent Capitalists.
Remember: the richest women lead through serving, asking why, demonstrating conscious compassion and authentic connection. They practise humility by acknowledging that they are where they are because of others.
Spiritually Intelligent women make money and enjoy it, but are not mastered by the mint. They are self-aware (awake) and clear on their value and weakness.
Look at some of the qualities of Spiritually Intelligent women. How do you rate against these qualities? (Ask someone how they see you, if you want to increase your conscious awareness score)
• I consciously act with compassion (Y/N)
• I display humility (Y/N)
• I know what I value (Y/N)
• I regularly ask why (Y/N)
• I actively engage with my world (Y/N)
• I have a clear personal vision (Y/N)
Towards a Clear Vision
“You do not have to prove your life purpose to anyone. It only needs enough clarity so that you can organise your life around it” - Robert Fritz
The purpose of your vision is to pull you toward living more in line with what you were born to do. The vision can change because it is not what the vision is, but what it does. I have found that the simpler and more tangible a person’s vision is, the easier it is to remember, rehearse and realise.
Step 1
Choose one of the earth’s elements that you most identify with. Your choices are earth, wind, fire, and water. Write this quality at the top of a page.
Step 2
On a blank piece of paper make three columns. Write your chosen element in the top centre of the page. In the first column, write twelve functions (what it does) of this quality that you most identify with.
For example. Earth: makes space for plants to grow. It holds things. It protects or Fire: It converts, masters, moulds. It protects, keeps one warm. In the same column, also list other actions that you have really enjoyed in your past. for example; helping, writing, financially supporting, teaching, acting, building.
In the second column, write down how (the way) the element does these things. For example gracefully, persistently, peacefully, respectfully, powerfully, passionately. Seven to ten adverbs is ideal. In column three, write down two or three groupings of people that you would like to influence, work with, engage with or serve (You may be doing this already or long to do this), for example children , adults, the elderly, young people, business, church, underprivileged, disabled, wealthy, divorced, single, men, women (use these as a guide only)
Step 3
Now go to column one and circle three words that you see yourself doing in your ideal work. Circle two words in column two that click for you regarding the way in which you wish to work. Finally circle two groupings of people in column three that you want to work with.
Step 4
The fourth step is to put this all together. Start your vision statement by saying (In the present tense!)
I______________________ WHAT –Column1 words,
with _______________________ WHO –Column 3 words
______________________ HOW- Column 2 words
Here is a sample vision statement:
“I nourish and aid healing, with ambitious sportspeople, persistently and flexibly”.
Step 5
Read your statement a few times and add or change what you need to.
Does it feel right to you?
When we are clear about our dreams, an inner excitement builds as we identify with what we have been trying to articulate, often for a very long time.
The creative tension question
Now that you have a simple guiding statement for what you would like to do in your lifetime, ask yourself how similar or different your current reality is to this snapshot. Is there anything that you can do to make this vision more of an evolving reality for yourself?
Do not be alarmed if you find your clarity a little uncomfortable - especially if your vision is not at all related to your current reality! This discomfort is an essential trigger to shift you into action.
About the author: Andrea‘s passion is facilitating true organizational and individual transformation with integrity. She has used the platforms of coaching, leadership development, strategy and process facilitation and team effectiveness to stretch and assist those in transition. Andrea left the corporate world after seven years to follow her passion and entrepreneurial spirit. She consults to organizations and individuals, encouraging difficult conversations and creative, measurable actions for change. To contact Andrea please email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call (083) - 307 - 6688.
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