If I Could Make the World a Better Place, I’d…

Ah, beauty pageants! From Miss America to Miss Universe, we’re all familiar with these annual contests aimed at capturing the ever-changing face of beauty and intelligence. Yes, intelligence. Least we forget, despite the heavy emphasis on physical beauty, there is the interview wherein finalists get to answer questions that show they’re more than just a pretty face.

While there are actually lots of questions with the actual ones varying from contestant to contestant and from year to year, most of us tend to think of the Miss America/Universe question as some version of: If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

Fundamentally, this is not a frivolous question, and answering it for ourselves can be pivotal in giving direction to our careers and lives. Indeed, in my roles as a facilitator and coach of personal branding and of life planning, one of the central exercises I ask clients to do is to develop their vision for the world. The questions I use may vary slightly, but the aim is the same: articulate a meaningful change you would make to create a better world. 

For most people, as soon as they can articulate a genuine vision for the world, they’re able to develop greater clarity about their purpose and how their values and passions come together to give direction to their careers and lives.  Yes, working with a coach adds to this discovery process.

Still…

…don’t wait for coaching. You’d be surprised at the clarity you can develop by asking this seemingly simple question of yourself.

Cross-posted at Threshold Consulting Blog

Comments

[Meg Guiseppi]

A great simple exercise for anyone in job search, contemplating it, or securely employed (if that's possible!)

Completing the Reach personal branding program compelled me to answer this question and my own vision for the world - everyone deserves to work their passion - drives everything about the way I work with my clients and manage my own career.

Thanks for your thought-provoking post.

[Walter Akana]

Hi Meg!

Like you, I first discovered the power of this exercise when I worked with Kirsten on discerning my own personal brand. It was a challenge for me, but powerful in developing great clarity. For me it is the keystone exercise.

You are absolutely correct that folks deserve to build careers around their passion – and the answer to this helps them get there! It is truly amazing to see what opens up for people when they address this question and see their own answer.

Thanks for your comments!