Most people can tell you who they used to be. Few can tell you who they're becoming.
These questions bring that into focus. Answer for the version of you that you're stepping into, not the one you're leaving.
Be honest. If you slide every answer to 10, the picture lies to you. Some parts of that version are already clear. Some are still fuzzy. Mark them where they really are.
The Design.
Answer for the version of you that you're stepping into. Some parts of that version are already clear. Some are still fuzzy. Mark them where they really are.
First, name what this version stands for.
What does the version of you that you're becoming care about most? Name the one or two things that drive how that version lives. Think values, not comforts. What does that version build their life around?
For example: my family, my faith, my freedom, building something that outlasts me.
What you focus on shows what you really care about.
The version you're becoming puts attention on what matters most. How much does their attention go to what matters most?
Get specific about the gap.
What does that version pay attention to that you keep saying you will, but don't?
For example: my health, deep work, time with my kids, reading instead of scrolling.
Either you run your day or something else does.
The version you're becoming runs their own day. How much of the day does that version actually run?
Step into that version for a second.
What does it feel like to be them on a normal day? Describe the feeling.
One or two words is fine.
Pressure shows who you really are.
The version you're becoming stays themselves under pressure. How much does that version stay themselves when pressure hits?
Most people get their identity from their wins, their job, or other people liking them.
The version you're becoming owns who they are without any of that. How much of that version would stay the same if the titles, wins, and approval went away?
Look ahead one year as that version.
What have they built or become that you haven't yet? And what do you already think is holding you back from it?
Answer like you're finishing "One year from now I've ___." For example: built real savings, repaired that relationship, started the business, gotten my health back.
You tell people who you are. Your actions tell the truth.
The version you're becoming acts like who they say they are. How much do that version's actions match who they say they are?
Last one, and the one that matters most.
Finish this sentence for the version you're becoming. Take your time.
"I am someone who ___."
Finish it like a sentence, not a label. For example: shows up fully for the people I love, leads with calm under pressure, builds things that last — not just "is free" or "is happy."
Section 2 of 2
The Reality.
You just designed the version. Now we measure the distance.
Same questions. This time answer for how you really are right now. Not your best day. Your average one. The honesty here is the whole point.
Right now, how much does your attention go to what matters most?
Right now, how much of your day do you actually run?
The last time real pressure hit, how much did you stay yourself?
Right now, how much of you would stay the same if the titles, wins, and approval went away?
Right now, how much do your actions match who you say you are?
The version you just designed
A message from Michael
Watch this for what your number means.
Attention
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State
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Identity
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Seeing the gap is the easy part. Closing it is the work. That's what I do with the people I coach. If you're ready to close yours, here's where it starts.
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