The Essential Me Core Driver Exercise

When You Complete This Exercise:

...you should know the core "cause" that underpins your life, that explains your interests, your choices, the big decisions you make--and why you are in business.

It should reveal to you what your business does or should pivot on. It will "explain you"--and "you" should be at the very center of your business.

There is a key to getting this right, though, and I can't guarantee it for you. You must be able to "bottom line" your answers. Reduce each one to its least common denominator, to its essential core where there is no deeper answer. I'll give you some examples from my matrix.

This exercise will take you about 1 hour of concentrated time--and perhaps more if you want to ask friends and families for their input.

Ready? Let's go!

Here's what mine looks like. Rather than make a linear list, I encourage you to drop your answers down randomly on a blank piece of paper--and do it by hand.

Here's What You're Going to Do:

Ask yourself, "What interests me greatly?" Only write what has a strong pull for you.
Then, ask yourself, "What is it about this that matters to me so much? What does it achieve"? (See my examples below)
Write your answer *very concisely* (bottom line it) under the heading of the interest you've chosen.
Do this repeatedly, until the well is dry.

My Examples

Entrepreneurship is a huge interest/passion of mine. In answering, "What is it about this that matters to me? What does it achieve?" I wrote: Able to own one's destiny. Power to the people!!
Politics is a huge interest of mine. But WHY? What is really drawing me to tune in to political news, etc? I wrote: I'm waiting for the change that will bring power back to the people. That is why I pay attention to politics in the way I do.
Spirituality is a huge interest of mine. But WHY? What about it really matters to me--what does it achieve? I wrote: It is about getting beyond limitation; it is where truth and peace lie.
Teaching is a strong interest of mine. Why? What about it matters so much to me? It empowers others, allows them freedom from limitation, as well as control and conditioning.
Storytelling is a great interest of mine. I used to write novels, but now my interest is deeper. What does it achieve? A vehicle for imparting a profound message.
I am, and have always been, passionate about all things anti-establishment. But what is that REALLY about? Why is my whole being pulled toward anything (including elements of this political race!) that is counter-culture? Because "free of the establishment/institutions/system, we as a people can finally rise to our unlimited, self-actualized selves!"
Leadership is the essence of my business. But why have I chosen it to be? What matters to me so much about (good) leadership? For me, it is entirely about waking people up from conditioning and limitation, empowering them. Great leadership does that in its sleep!

I have many more interests on my sheet: empowerment, education, live events, psychology, growth, idealism, writing, music, nature, business, quantum physics.
Not all, but almost all, reveal my essential driver.

Can You See My Essential Driver?

If you can, you'll be able to see your own, too.
You have the facility for seeing patterns
and boiling things down to their very core.

Now, it's time for you to do it with all of your answers.

My "essential driver" is "people power." Aiding in the elimination of authority that limits humanity and in the full release of individual potential.

This is not what I do directly, but by working with entrepreneurs, I am contributing to power to the people, and by developing entrepreneurs into Thought Leaders, I am helping them reach toward their very highest potential.

However, I saw from doing this exercise that there is much more I can do with this "essential me" core driver. And so, the journey continues!

Lizabeth Phelps, founder of Inspired Leaders' Academy, is passionate about changing the world with powerful messages, powerfully delivered. She develops entrepreneurs into myth-busting, shatter-the-status-quo Inspired Thought Leaders. Visit www.inspiredleadersacademy.com