At a crossroads? Seeking clarity? Wondering what’s next? Are you one of the millions of Americans are asking themselves what they are doing, where they are going, and what they want to do with the rest of their lives?
Faced with a myriad of options, many become paralyzed. Author, speaker, and counselor Richard Leider offers this simple formula for making life choices: T + P + E x V
T is for talent. What are your strengths and weaknesses, and are you maximizing those strengths while managing the weaknesses? Many of us aren’t aware of our talents and shortcomings, and as a result most of us aren’t living up to our full potential.
P is for purpose. Most of us are searching for meaning, and we want to know that our lives matter. “Where the needs of the world and your talents cross, there lies your vocation,” Aristotle once offered. How are you using your talents to make the world—even your little part of it—a better place?
E is for environment. Many people have real talents and are prepared to apply them in something they believe in, but their environment holds them back. What environment best suits your style, your temperament, and your values? Using the Enneagram, I help clients determine their ideal work environment so that they won’t make costly mistakes.
V is for vision. Talent, purpose, and environment are about work style and choice. Vision describes how work fits into the rest of your life.
For close to 25 years, Richard Leider interviewed more than 1,000 people who retired from leading companies after distinguished careers. Most said if they could live their lives again, they would:
1. Be more reflective
2. Take more risks
3. Understand what gave them fulfillment
Leider concludes that fulfillment is the truest measure of success, and fulfillment comes from integrity, knowing who you are and finding the courage to express yourself in the world.
