I enjoy the “Dinner with Cupid” column in the Boston Globe. The first thing I do is compare the grades that each participant gives the other. And I’m always curious how they arrived at the grades. The articles are formulaic: I was nervous, the other person was late or early, we ordered this food, learned a few things about the other person, and the wrap-up. The conversation seems typical first date material - a surface level search of things in common and a back and forth of each other’s interests.
What they need is a way to communicate the core importance of each person quickly. I think each person should go through a self-development profile before the date. As a result, you could hand over a document filled with the most important parts of each person: mission/purpose, goals, and a list of the roles you play (and not a general overview) - I mean a list of roles that include future roles the person is moving towards intentionally. You’d be able to say: “This is what I’m all about.”
Here’s my list of roles:
1. TM Meditator
2. Innovator & Visionary
3. Lean, Strong Body & Clean Eater
4. The Dude…a Sage
5. Financial Wiz
6. Giver and Philanthropist
7 .Husband
8. Dad
9. Family / Friend
10. Happy Hobbyist
11. Movie Buff
12. Chef & Mixologist
13. Joker
14. Writer & Journaler
15. Willy Wonka of Creativity
16. ATH Founder & World-Class Problem Solver
17. Productivity Coach
18. Support Group Facilitator
19. Professional Speaker
20. Podcaster
21. Sales Pro
22. Marketing Guru & Social Media Participant
23. Musician & Music Therapist
And a sample of a mini-mission statement for one of the roles:
1-Meditator
I’m a meditator. Transcendental Meditation brings beautiful depth to my life. When I’m in deep silence, I catch the big fish ideas and experience bliss over and over again. As a result, I give much more of my soul and my talents to a world that needs it desperately. TM is my magic reset button.
Here are resources to help you get to know who you really are so you can share it with the VIPs in your life!
https://allthehatswewear.com/blog/ep-95-the-most-powerful-time-management-skill-youre-not-using
https://allthehatswewear.com/blog/a-mission-statement-youll-actually-use-everyday?rq=mission