I returned to Toronto from Jamaica on March 5, having completed the last of 3 Strategic Planning assignments for beloved clients there. They were clear on their strategy, and I was clear on mine. I had already scheduled monthly trips to Jamaica starting early April, a trip to Antigua in May and the possibility of visiting Trinidad and Barbados later in the year (in addition to Tokyo for the Olympics).
Then the virus hit. A global pandemic, indeed not even a localised epidemic, was not on the radar of any of these businesses, nor mine. But here it was. And all of a sudden everything we had spent the last 2 or 3 months planning, literally blew up. We all hunkered down in those first few days, denying the gravity and hoping that 2 weeks’ isolation or lock down would really just be 2 weeks. But as the 14 days crept to a close, we all realised that we were in “it” for the long haul. And we had no idea what “it” was or would be. The phrase “shooting in the dark” never held such meaning.
As a strategic planner, what happens when strategy is suddenly and immediately totally irrelevant, and the options are buried in a sludge of uncertainty? How could I help my clients, who within a matter of days had seen their carefully crafted Strategic Plans disintegrate?
I realised that to help them, I had to first help myself. And so, on Friday of the 1st week, I hunkered down and got real with my own Strategic Plan. My 2020 Action plan was shot, blown to smithereens. But then I realised that what remains constant is my personal mission of being “a catalyst in changing the way we live and work, so we do so with joy”. And the Free and Laughing Mission also remained firmly embedded in my heart:
We lovingly and joyfully coach amazingly successful leaders to be even better so that they achieve the results they deeply and authentically desire in all areas of their life, and enjoy their unique JOY (Journey Of You)
Now, every time I feel uncertain about what steps to take, I go back to my mission. Inevitably this is the beacon that lightens the darkness of the present, and directs my way forward.
Based on my own experience, in a call a few days later, I asked one of my clients if her mission had changed. She replied an unequivacal “No”, and we set about looking at what she needed to be doing now to carry out that mission. We both left the call feeling hopeful about the future, sure about the immediate next step, even if neither of us were clear on what the next 7, or 10 or 30 days might look like.
As we play the waiting game, I believe that now is the time to focus on our mission. Ask yourself these questions:
- Can you articulate your mission in 1 sentence without having to look at the Mission Statement on the wall or in your Annual Report?
- In 2025, will this still be your mission? 2030? 2022?
- Does this mission excite, inspire and motivate you?
- Are your team members clear on, and aligned with this mission?
- Do they even know what it is?
If you answered “NO” to any of these, set aside time to deeply examine the mission of your organization. What’s your purpose? Why do you exist? What value do you bring to the world? How do you make life better for your customers, team members, community, nation?
Focusing on your mission now:
- Reminds you and your team that there is a future, some day.
- Gives you and your team context for current decisions.
- Helps you to decide what NOT to do.
Always come back to why your organisation exists. That becomes the beacon of hope that shines, no matter what.
Thank you for that reminder, Marguerite. I am a company of one, and as I read your article, I was shocked to realize that I needed to be reminded of my mission. I seem to have allowed it to fade to the background because who I am in giving to others, is already an embodiment of my mission. However, your article has reminded me that I do need to always have my mission at the forefront, so I am going to revisit – and probably rewrite – it today. I look forward to seeing if it is different from when I first wrote it in 2014.
Thanks for the reminder. Have a JOYful day!
Eve
Dear Eve
Thanks so much for your comment. So happy you are inspired to take a look at your mission. Let me know what you find! I suspect that since it comes from who YOU are, you will not have digressed too much. But it will be interesting to see!
You always have a joyful day!
Yours with ease, grace, joy and calm
Marguerite
Thanks for this sobering reminder of the need to be super clear about my purpose in life, which will keep me centered. With a focus on the big picture, even though my plan may change many times, my destination will remain the same. Even during these times marked by uncertainty, you have reminded me to take it a day at a time, which is critical for my emotional stability. Continue to inspire others through your insightful thoughts… certainly your purpose is clear.
Dear Verona
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Whenever I post a blog, I always send it off with this affirmation: “May this post help one person” …. I am grateful that it has helped you. Stay blessed – and focused!
Yours with ease, grace, joy and calm
Marguerite
Thanks for the reminder Maguerite especially at this time!
Dear Sheryl
Thank you – grateful for your note.
One love, one heart, one joy
Marguerite
Thank you so much for this reminder Marguerite. I have been meaning to connect with you ever since you spoke at Alex Ihama’s Corporate University session last month.
Today as I got into my ‘Golden Hour of Power’ I remembered you and a message I recieved yesterday. It led me to this blog which reminded me that for better or for worse my purpose in life should be the fuel that keeps me grounded and moving.
I have been on this JOY path and it has been a most liberating and exhilarating experience. With you on my team, it can only get better!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We’re in this together.
Dear Heather
So lovely to hear from you. Thank you for taking the time. I am grateful that you consider me part of your team – I’ve got you!!!
One love, one heart, one joy
Marguerite
Hi Marguerite… Thank you for this powerful reminder to go back to basics. In the early weeks of this experience, there was a sense of apathy and hmmm it will soon go away. That evolved into raw terror as all my contracts were put on hold, and I momentarily lost focus on the Truth about who I am and the awesome Power of Spirit as my Board Chair. Thank God, my recovery time from these episodes is always quick. I shifted focus and have been spending time looking at who I am and the gifts I bring to my family, friends, clients and the world. Then a 3-week learning experience in Digital Marketing fell into my lap, and it brought the world of digital technology to life in a way that completely dissolved my resistance and opened my eyes to what’s possible for me on a grandiose scale. Then I read your blog, and it inspired me to put pen to paper, and within an hour, I had re-crafted my vision and mission. What I have now is inspiring and takes my breath away every time I read it. It is well timed with my new effort and I truly appreciate you for the juk!
Much love…
Sandra
Dear Sandra
WOW! What a journey! Congrats on moving forward with faith, dissolving (or in spite of) resistance, and embracing the new opportunities. Can’t wait to see how this “new” Sandra steps up and shines!
Yours with ease, grace, joy and calm
Marguerite