The Meaning Matrix
I am a girl who goes with the flow with most things…
A deadline shifts? No problem.
Someone forgets a meeting, and we have to reschedule? Kind of my love language.
A vacation without a detailed plan? Sign me up.
Feeling anxious and like I don’t know what my next steps are? Stop, notice, and remember that none of us knows what the fuck we’re doing most of the time.
The result wasn’t realized as originally intended? Beautiful surprises, and sometimes hard lessons, unfold everyday.
Life is hard enough without trying to understand and control every outcome.
That being said, I do like to make meaningful progress in alignment with my values.
And, I love to see outside of my blind spots so I can live intentionally.
Enter The Meaning Matrix.
This resource isn’t scientific, but it is strategic (which, by the way, is my number 1 StrengthsFinder result!), and it’s a useful tool to evaluate what is currently energizing and aligned, and where time is being spent.
I am obviously not a designer, and will never claim to be, so know that this is a simple (read: ugly) little doc. (If you’re a designer and want to help me make this pretty, holla at your girl!)
Want to see the activities, people, priorities, and commitments in your life a little clearer? Here’s how to use the chart and not over-complicate it:
Create time and space to reflect. Think about the things you value most right now and what big goals you’re working on. Not sure what values you’re prioritizing? Start here.
Reflect on current activities, commitments, ideas, priorities, people, and actions. Basically, if you’re spending noticeable time on something, it’s going to be relevant to filling out the chart. Pull out your calendar, notes, text messages, or whatever resources help you remember what you’re up to!
Start plotting your activities. For each item, notice if it feels energizing or draining. The more it feels “right” to you, the higher up the vertical line on the chart. If you dread it, chances are it’s lower on the energy line. Then, ask yourself how aligned it is to your long-term values and goals. The more meaningful and worthwhile it is, the farther to the right you’ll land. Write a title or descriptor word as your plot point.
Stop plotting once momentum slows. Your job isn’t to think of every scenario where time is being spent, but to take a snapshot of your life right now so you can see the 20K view.
Evaluate the big picture. What stands out to you most? What needs to shift? Are there things you need to let go? Do you need to add energizing or values-aligned things? What do you intuitively see?
Above all else, remember this: today is a snapshot in time. The purpose of reflection isn’t to add a bunch of things to your to-do list, nor is it to cause you anxious energy around all of the things you’re committed to doing (or not doing) for the rest of your life.
The purpose is to pause, reflect, and take note so you are present in your life, and not missing out on the things that you most want to pursue.
To quote Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Spend yours energized and aligned.
xox,
Michelle
P.S. Here’s the download one more time.
P.P.S. Want to work together? I’ve got room for one more coaching client right now, let’s chat! I’m also booking tarot sessions if you want to spend a short, focused time exploring your inner knowing.
I speak on alignment, voice, authenticity, strategy, and all things communications related for companies and groups. Interested in developing something meaningful for your org? Let’s connect!
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Visionaries hire me to help them navigate the liminal points and be a thought partner, coach, and strategist for their lives and businesses.
Leaders hire me to amplify their brand voice, align strategies to values and goals, and work with their teams to facilitate growth and connection through engaging training, workshops, and speaker-led sessions.
Seek yourself. Be more you.
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How we practice is how we change. And how we change is how the world changes. Practice being more you.
