Map out a path to you

​In many ways, we are an outcomes based culture. We often look at ourselves and others based on what we and they have achieved. We have placed metrics on just about every corner of life to help us determine the value of those corners.

Naturally then, when we go to setting goals for the new year, we can start thinking of those goals in terms of 'what do I want to accomplish this year?'

I heard James Clear say something yesterday that I'd heard him say before, but it hit me different as I've been thinking ahead to 2023. Clear says, "every action you take is a vote for the kind of person you want to become."

It got me asking the question, what kind of person do I want to become in 2023.

Because it's possible to lose 25 pounds in 2023 and not become a different person. Especially if I haven't asked myself what kind of person do I want to become in 2023.

Because it's possible to finish a book in 2023 and not become a different person. Especially if I haven't asked myself what kind of person do I want to become in 2023.

Because it's possible to run 2,023 miles in 2023 and not become a different person. Especially if I haven't asked myself what kind of person do I want to become in 2023.

Because I can read the bible from front to back in 2023 and not become a different person. Especially if I haven't asked myself what kind of person do I want to become in 2023.

Because it's possible to achieve a lot of outcomes in life and not become a different person. Especially if I haven't asked myself what kind of person do I want to become in life.

It occurred to me yesterday, in a very slap in the face manner, just how hard I plow through life, setting goals and having my eye on the prize, while rarely ever stopping to ask myself, what kind of person am I trying to become?

And here is the thing, when we ask ourselves that question, the answers will come from the inside and not from some excel spreadsheet on the outside. I'm a fan of data, but is the data pointing me to what I'm trying to achieve or who I'm trying to become?

Because I assure you, we all have stories deeper than our spreadsheets. Often times much deeper. I think we'd be better off throwing each others' spreadsheets in the trash and listening to each others' stories instead. But I digress....

So let me just stop and encourage you. Ask the question before you go into the new year. Who do I want to become in 2023?

Then map out your path. Map it with goals and outcomes, sure. But don't create a map to success, create a map to you.