In today’s world, the sheer number of opportunities and problems vying for our attention can easily overwhelm us. We live in an era where the opportunity landscape bombards us with constant notifications, alerts, and updates. This never-ending influx makes it challenging to focus, often leading us to spread ourselves too thin or push ourselves to the brink of burnout. To navigate this chaotic environment effectively, I’ve found it crucial to develop a personal framework that helps me determine where to operate, ensuring my efforts are both meaningful and sustainable. This framework revolves around three essential concepts: my core value proposition, zone of genius, and locus of control.

Core Value Proposition

Our core value proposition is the unique value we bring to the table. It’s what sets us apart from others and defines the specific benefits we offer. Identifying this requires introspection and an understanding of what we are passionate about and proficient in.

Questions to ask ourselves:

• What do I excel at?
• What am I deeply passionate about?
• What do others consistently seek my help or advice for?

For me, my core value proposition lies in my ability to asses and evaluate the context and causes of complex/interconnected/evolving problems. This unique skill set allows me to help individuals and businesses navigate their complex problem and opportunity landscapes to future proof their growth. By focusing on this core strength, I can deliver significant value and drive meaningful impact.

Zone of Genius

The concept of the zone of genius, coined by Gay Hendricks in his book “The Big Leap,” refers to the activities that we are uniquely skilled at and that bring us immense joy. Operating in our zone of genius means engaging in work that leverages our natural talents and energizes us.

To identify our zone of genius, we consider:

• What activities make time fly by for us?
• What do we do effortlessly that others find challenging?
• What kind of work leaves us feeling fulfilled and energized?

For my, our zone of genius is coaching and mentoring. I derive immense satisfaction from empowering others, helping them realize their potential, and guiding them towards achieving their goals. This is where my skills align perfectly with my passion, creating a powerful synergy that drives exceptional results.

Locus of Control

The locus of control is a psychological concept that refers to the degree to which individuals believe they have control over the outcomes of events in their lives. People with an internal locus of control believe that their actions significantly influence their success, while those with an external locus of control attribute their outcomes to external factors such as luck or fate. To maximize our impact, we find it essential to cultivate an internal locus of control.

This involves:

• Taking responsibility for our actions and outcomes.
• Focusing on areas where we can exert influence and control.
• Avoiding the trap of blaming external factors for our challenges.

By aligning my efforts with my core value proposition and operating within my zone of genius, I inherently strengthen my internal locus of control. I become more intentional about my choices, take ownership of my actions, and direct my energy towards areas where I can make a significant impact.

Building Our Operational Framework

Combining these three elements – core value proposition, zone of genius, and locus of control – provides a robust framework for determining where to operate.

Here’s how I apply this framework to those who seek my guidance:

1. Identify Their Core Value Proposition: We reflect on their unique skills, passions, and the value they offer. We write down what sets them apart and the specific benefits they bring to the table.
2. Recognize Their Zone of Genius: We pinpoint the activities that align with their natural talents and bring them joy. We focus on engaging in these activities as much as possible.
3. Cultivate an Internal Locus of Control: We work on how they can embrace responsibility for their outcomes and concentrate on areas where they can exert influence. We concur on how they can avoid spreading ourselves too thin by focusing on what they can control.
4. Make Conscious Choices: We work on how they can be more intentional about where they direct their energy. We prioritize tasks and projects that align with their core value proposition and zone of genius, ensuring they work on what truly matters to them.
5. Set Boundaries: We learn to say no to opportunities and problems that do not align with their framework. This helps prevent burnout and ensures their efforts are impactful and sustainable.

Conclusion

In a world brimming with opportunities and challenges, being conscious and intentional about where we choose to operate is crucial. By understanding and integrating our core value proposition, zone of genius, and locus of control, I have created a framework that guides our decisions and actions. This framework empowers me to focus on what truly matters, avoid spreading ourselves too thin, and achieve meaningful and sustainable success. Remember, the goal is not to do everything but to do what I do best and what brings me joy, driving ourselves towards intentional and impactful achievements.