Part 1
YOUR PURPOSE IS WHAT SETS YOU APART.
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning." It's often depicted as the intersection of four elements:
YOUR PURPOSE
GRAB YOUR FAVOURITE NOTEBOOK AND PEN, A QUIET SPOT. IT’S TIME TO DO SOME SOUL DIGGING.
Exploring your identity as a creative entrepreneur requires a deep dive into the core of who you are, and journaling is such a meaningful way to connect with that essence. Here are ten journal prompts designed to help you uncover your true self, your pivotal moments, and how all this intertwines with your brand. At the end, you should have a clear vision of yourself and how you ultimately want to turn up in this world, what your offer means for others and your ‘I am’ statement.
PIVOTAL POINTS:
Reflect on three pivotal moments in your life. How have these moments shaped your beliefs and your approach to creativity and entrepreneurship?
CORE VALUES:
Below is a list of core values that I have suggested. Sit with them, read each one and choose 5 values that stand out to you. Select them by listening to the feeling in your body. Do you get a reaction? A hard no? A Hell yes? Choose the words that you feel influence the decisions that you make in your life, creative work and business. Circle the 5 core values that resonate with you the most, or write them out in your notebook.
Creativity
Integrity
Resilience
Passion
Empowerment
Impact
Growth
Mindfulness
Courage
Sustainability
Inclusivity
Collaboration
Gratitude
Innovation
Excellence
Transparency
Freedom
Joy
Accountability
Diversity
Generosity
Agility
Respect
Leadership
Vision
Quality
Commitment
Balance
Adaptability
Authenticity
INNER BLOCKAGES
Identify any fears or limiting beliefs that might be holding you back from fully stepping into your power. How can you address these blockages to move forward?
TIMELINE
Draw a timeline of your life from birth to now. A literal line going down the length of a piece od paper. Mark significant events and note the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that emerged from these times. How have these elements evolved and influenced your creative and entrepreneurial journey?
EMOTIONAL INVENTORY
What are the dominant emotions you feel when working on your creative projects? Reflect on how these emotions drive your creativity and decision-making in your business.
INSPIRATIONAL FIGURES
Write about a person who has significantly influenced your life. What qualities of this person would you like to embody more in your own life and work?
EXPRESSION OF SELF
What does your ideal form of self-expression look like, and what obstacles are currently preventing you from achieving this? How can you overcome these obstacles?
VISION OF SUCCESS
Describe your ultimate success scenario. What does it look like, and what does it feel like? How does this vision align with your understanding of your true self?
LEGACY
What kind of impact do you want to leave through your work? How does this desire reflect who you truly are?
EMOTIONAL REFLECTION
Below is a list of emotional words for you to reflect on. Choose one emotion from the list and explore why it frequently appears in your life. What does this emotion say about your needs and values as a creative entrepreneur?
Charged
Fulfilled
Ignited
Empowered
Anxious
Joyful
Overwhelmed
Inspired
YOUR ’ I AM ‘ STATEMENT
Based on the emotion you've reflected on, create an 'I Am' statement that embodies how this emotion influences your identity. For example, if you chose "Empowered," your statement could be, "I am a creator who harnesses challenges as opportunities to grow and empower others."
YOUR ‘CORE VALUE’ STATEMENT
Now, let’s look at the core values that you circled. We are going to piece together a core value statement from them. If your core values are creativity, integrity, and empowerment, your core value statement might look like this:
"I harness creativity to innovate and inspire, uphold integrity in every action, and empower my community to achieve their fullest potential."
This statement provides a CLEAR reflection of what drives you and your business.
USUNG THESE PROMPTS AND EXERCISES WILL GUIDE YOU IN WEAVING YOUR PERSONAL NARRATIVE INTO YOUR BRAND, HELPING YOU TO COMMUNICATE AUTHENTICALLY AND RESONATE DEEPLY WITH YOUR AUDIENCE.
FUSION - YOUR PURPOSE
Now we combine for the ultimate fusion of purpose!
Combining your "I Am" statement with your core values statement creates a powerful self-affirmation that encapsulates both your identity and your foundational principles. This fusion not only reinforces who you are but also how you live and work according to your values. Here’s a guide on how to combine them. Start by reviewing both your "I Am" statement and your core values statement. Understand the essence of each and identify any common themes or overlapping ideas that could naturally link them.
STEP 2: IDENTIFY KEY ELEMENTS
From your "I Am" statement, extract the core identity or attribute you affirm. From your core values statement, pick out the key values that are most closely related to this identity.
STEP 3: CRAFT A CONNECTING PHRASE
Use a connecting phrase that blends the personal affirmation with the values. Phrases like "through," "by embodying," "driven by," or "grounded in" can serve as effective links.
STEP 4: COMBINE AND REFINE
Construct a statement that starts with your "I Am" declaration, followed by the connecting phrase, and then your core values. Refine this combination to ensure it flows smoothly and maintains a powerful impact.
STEP 5: KEEP IT AUTHENTIC AND INSPIRING
Ensure the final statement resonates deeply with you and inspires action. It should feel like a true representation of your essence and how you apply your values in daily life.
EXAMPLE
If your "I Am" statement is: "I am a creator who harnesses challenges as opportunities to grow and empower others," and your core values statement is: "I harness creativity to innovate and inspire, uphold integrity in every action, and empower my community to achieve their fullest potential," you might combine them like this:
"I am a creator who harnesses challenges as opportunities to grow and empower others, driven by my commitment to creativity, integrity, and the empowerment of my community."
This combined statement not only asserts who you are ("I am a creator") but also connects this identity to how you live out your values ("driven by my commitment to creativity, integrity, and empowerment"). Now write it out. Stick it up on the wall, and read it everyday so that you can start to fully embody the person and brand that you are!
