How to Find Your Sweet Spot in Leading a Fulfilling Life

Have you ever abandoned something you enjoyed because you couldn't be the best at it?

I've fallen into that trap many times and didn't realize it until creating a podcast episode about my life's story. I started with my current purpose of being a productivity and life purpose expert and went backwards in time to figure out how I discovered that purpose.

In the fourth grade, I began playing drums and it quickly became my identity. I was the top drummer everywhere I went - well, until I wasn't. In college, I found myself surrounded by better drummers. Gradually, drumming became less of a part of my identity. I figured - what's the point of working at it if I can't be the best?

With the internet, it's easy to dive into subjects that interest us. It's also easy to see how there's always someone more informed than you. Maybe you have a different reaction and become more invested and stimulated because of the competition.

For example, I love the movie Jaws and joined a Jaws Facebook group. Initially, it was a lot of fun but after a few weeks, I couldn't keep up! Would this be the end of my love for Jaws? Hell, no! I wouldn't let that happen. I started wondering about this recurring pattern of mine. I decided to focus more on enjoying my hobbies whole-heartedly - without the need to compare with others.

Also, discovering what I'm most passionate about - ie/ productivity coaching - taught me that even though there are many other productivity experts, none of them see the world through my eyes. I have a completely original take and embrace it. This was an eye-opener! I had to believe in the value of my unique take on everything I do. I found my sweet spot between being content and striving to improve.

What are the vital areas in your life where you need to find your sweet spot? Make a list of the key areas in your life and brainstorm how your approach is unique.

Related blog post:
A Vision for Your Future
Podcast Ep. 3 - Life Story and Discovering Your Purpose

Ep 12 - A Mission Statement You'll Actually Use Everyday

This post focuses on mission statements and why you must create your own immediately! You’re going to create a mini-mission statement for each of your roles. Defining your mission is a powerful tool for keeping you on track and on purpose each day. We’ve all been told we should write a mission statement, but in most cases, they’re filled with fancy language and end up gathering dust - never to be read again. Your mission statement will be different – it will be a lifeline that will recharge you everyday. When you connect with your mini-mission statements, you are working on your masterpiece! What do you want to be your legacy?

Step one is to brainstorm a list of phrases, nicknames, keywords, and desired emotional states that you associate to each role. The most important question to answer is WHY each role is so vitally important to your well-being. You’ve got to know your WHY’s! Imagine you’re at your very best in each role – get in peak state when you brainstorm.

I’d like to share an example of how I created mission statements for some of my roles. The first role is “Genius.” Now, you might think genius is an awfully big title to give yourself. Yes, it is! But remember…we’re thinking BIG! Here is a summary of my brainstorming notes for my Genius role mission statement: engine, lookout tower, depth, Lightning Rod, momentum, elegance, wisdom, Frank Zappa, and John Coltrane. Once you’ve brainstormed ideas for your role, begin writing the first draft of your mission statement. Each role will have a 40-60-word mission statement.

Mission statement guidelines:

The first sentence should contain three words: “I’m a (insert role).”
Describe WHY the role is one of the most important areas in your life
Make sure you trigger desired emotional states. Listening to or reading these words should cause you to feel like you are at your very best in that role.
The last sentence should state the primary function of the role: “This is my _______ role.”

A list of most of my mini-mission statements:

I’m a spiritual person & meditator. Transcendental meditation brings beautiful depth to my life. When I’m deep within silence, I catch BIG FISH ideas. I experience bliss whenever I want. Meditation helps me find my center and gets me in the zone for the rest of the day. Being a spiritual person and lifelong meditator helps me share my SOUL with a world that desperately needs it. This is my magic reset button role.

I have an attractive, lean, & strong body. I’m in the best shape of my life. I love looking great in pictures. I act with discipline and exert will power every day. I practice mindful breathing and eat reasonable portions of nutritious food. I breathe fully and drink plenty of water. I need all the vitality I can get to live my purpose and strive towards my vision every day. This is my fuel tank role.

I’m a visionary. Creativity is my greatest gift. I think big every day & constantly absorb new insights and apply them. I’m a lookout tower and lightning rod. I’m a voracious reader and unstoppable force for good. My crystal clear goals keep me on track for achieving my juiciest dreams. This role is my Willy Wonka engine role that drives everything good in my life.

I’m a wealth builder. My abundance is the spark for all of my other roles. Money brings speed and choices. Each disciplined action I take compounds over time. I’m a millionaire. My vibrant relationship with money is a model for my sons - they are learning the mindset they need to have abundance in their lives. This is my abundance role.

I’m a giver. I’m a philanthropist in training. I constantly plant seeds for the future. I give time, money, and resources to worthy causes I’m passionate about. Giving is a habit. Therefore, my sons are becoming lifelong givers. Milton Hershey and Bill Gates are my models for living a generous and wonderful life. This is my legacy role.

I’m a Dad: I’m caring, supportive, & strong for my twins. I’m immensely thankful for them and live with gratitude. I’m in-the-moment. I’m consistent, fair, and always tell them the truth. This is my unconditional love role.

I’m a backgammon player. I love deepening my skills and appreciation for this classic game. Backgammon is a perfect fit for me. It involves skill, luck, and gambling. It’s an elegant and sophisticated game. I enjoy playing on my phone, with the kids, at the campground, or by the pool with friends. I’m a happy hobbyist. My passions, hobbies, & interests make my life colorful and keep me smiling. I also love: Ani, Ozzy, Metallica, heavy metal, B movies, horror movies, Jaws, coffee, mixology, WWII history, chess, special forces stuff, the Navy Seals, the secret service, luxury, cooking, reading, parenting, martinis, and journaling. This is my fun role.

I’m a chef. When I’m cooking a new recipe or an old tried-and-true one, I get into the zone. I experience a mix of physical and emotional well-being. I get into my flow state. Cooking is my connection with culture and sophistication. I love managing many things simmering at the same time. I enjoy a craft beer and listen to Van Halen or music whatever fits my mood. This is my flow role.

I’m a movie buff. Watching bad movies is one of my favorite things in life. Throughout the day, I consider which movie I’ll watch that night. Movies are my reward for making progress in all of my roles each day. Great movies connect me with friends and family. This is my reward role.

I’m the joker. My fascination with everything Joker over the years inspires me to be more playful and allow my sense of humor to come through. I’m attracted to the idea of someone who is highly intelligent yet devious. I like rooting for the villain. I’m interested in chaos and anarchy. Thinking like the Joker helps me see a new perspective to any challenge. I love the idea of a grand plan.This is my risk role.

I’m a writer. Being a lifelong journaler is the spark plug for my creativity. I consider creativity my greatest strength. Nobody can take it away from me. My creativity gives me courage to be at my most confident for my tribe and humankind. I’m passionate about improving my writing ability. Writing slows me down so I can savor good feelings. Reading strengthens my writing. My love for writing caused me to create a blog, in which I practice using new vocabulary. The blog’s url is called neverhoitytoity.blogspot.com and it’s something I look forward to publishing every day. This is my craftsmanship role.

I’m a golfer. One of my sons has really taken to golf and I want to encourage it. So, I am assuming a new role of golfer. It will be a fun way to connect with him on the golf course on sunny weekend mornings. He’ll love teaching me. It gives me a second chance on a fun hobby that I’d given up on. This is my something new role.

I’m a professional speaker. Speaking is the perfect vehicle for me to express my authenticity. It’s a role that’s helped me find myself - then package it for others. Speaking is a challenge that feels right. I practice and expand my skills so I can speak with an engaging rhythm and use carefully selected imagery to move my audiences. This is my authenticity role.

I’m an entrepreneur. I’m the founder of Scott Snow Speaks workshops and seminars and All the Hats We Wear Coaching and have other innovative and mission-driven companies in development. I’m a business student - always refining my mechanics and strategies for running a profitable business. I rely on mentors and role models to deepen my Warren Buffet-like business mastery. This is my life’s contribution role.

I’m a sales professional with swag. I’m committed to practicing and perfecting the skills of selling. Grant Cardone has prepared me for every selling challenge. I focus first on being of service and always show prospects and customers that I’m hungry for their business. This is my role for being of service.

I’m a professional life coach and executive coach. I’m the most exclusive and sought-after productivity coach on the east coast. I’m booked solid months in advance because of word-of-mouth referrals. I coach powerful individuals who are ready to become fully expressed in their lives. My All the Hats We Wear curriculum is my clients’ lifeline. I empower my clients by teaching them the time management skills they need to be joyful productive, and fulfilled in all areas of life. This is my secret weapon role.

I’m a social media contributor. I focus on being of service to my others. I am self-less. I contribute and add to conversations and give a boost to all I come in contact with. I build upon and add to what others are doing. I love being part of other people’s tribes and love leading a tribe of my own. This is my connection role.

I’m a productivity expert. I’ve dedicated my life to becoming as informed and knowledgeable as humanly possible in all areas of productivity. I have my finger on the pulse my industry and make innovative connections with industries outside my expertise as well. My authenticity shines through because I’m in complete alignment because my goals, values, actions, & mission are in sync. This is my alignment role.

I’m a music therapist. I focus my passion for music to enrich the lives of others. My private practice is proof that I can build a profitable business. I play guitar, sing, and play drums. Music connects every stage of my life. Music therapy is the launchpad to the badass productivity business I’m growing now. Music has taught me everything I know about humility, beauty, structure, and performance. This is my passion role.

It’s your turn to create your own mission statements so you reconnect with your why’s and stay on track with living your life’s purpose and striving towards your vision.

Related posts:
Podcast Ep. 11 - Mission Statements

Are You a Lazy Bum? Strategies for Becoming More Productive Throughout the Day

At the outset, I should say we all need to relax at times and there’s nothing wrong with it. But let’s get real - in many instances when we’re not feeling productive, it’s because we don’t have enough small energy-boosting activities during the course of a typical day. 

Find the activities that invigorate you and stack them into routines. I enjoy my morning routine and my late night routine as well. Identify those tiny things that give you a lift and maximize them! Sometimes you have to manufacture them. In the morning, I like doing my 20 minutes of meditation followed by 20 minutes on the treadmill. I’m currently on season 5 of Game of Thrones and I watch a little bit at a time on the treadmill - I love it and look forward to it (ie/ I hate exercise usually). I start the coffee maker and read my Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, and USA Today. I like a particular brand of oatmeal. I write my top 10 goals while listening to the same playlist. I enjoy cranking up the Ozzy’s Boneyard Sirius Satellite Channel in my bathroom during my shower but I usually change the station to 80’s on 8 while I shave - because I can’t rock out and shave. It throws me off my happy rhythm. 

At nighttime, I have a coffee at about 6pm and that keeps me cranking until about midnight. I turn my electric blankie on so it’s just right for sliding into bed. I look forward to reading late at night. Of course, unexpected things come up and you must adapt.  But most of the time, you can expect what’s coming up next in a typical day. 

If you’re feeling pooped, do a few simple tasks to give you momentum. I like to have a lot of ideas going at one - that’s not to say I’m multi-tasking. I often flit from one thing to the other and I keep the juices flowing until I find myself getting big stuff done and then I try to just sail along with it. Pink Floyd’s double dvd set “Pulses” is my current favorite for getting stuff done. I put the live concert video on and get busy - works every time! 

If you’re feeling lazy all the time, you need to revisit your role list and mission statements. My book, “Master Your Roles: The Time Management Skill You Need to Lead a Joyful & Productive Life” will guide you!