Welcome back! I appreciate everyone who has shared affirmations, feedback, and help. As we wrap up 8 weeks, I shared a reflection on my experience on LinkedIn if you’re interested.

In the meantime, I would appreciate your help! If there is a friend, coworker, or family member you think could benefit from The Clear-Eyed View, please forward them this email!

—

If you were forwarded this note, welcome! I share honest, actionable insights weekly to help you navigate your career with clarity and confidence. No fluff, no spam, no exchange of money—just real-world, insider advice for mid-career professionals looking to grow. Join us here!

Clear-Eyed Perspective

The Career Strategy Pyramid

Have you ever felt unclear about where you’re headed? You want to achieve big things, but staying motivated day after day is tough. It doesn’t have to feel like running a marathon on a treadmill - working hard but not going anywhere.

As we wrap up 2025, I want to help you focus on building a system to keep you on track, motivated, and making progress toward your aspirations.

Is this cheesy self-help talk? A little. But I’m a believer, and you should be, too.

When I started being more intentional about my career strategy, I saw real results: I was less distracted, more confident, and bolder in taking risks. Heck, that’s why I’m here, writing this newsletter every week.

Treat Your Career Like a Business

Businesses thrive with a clear purpose, strategy, and disciplined action.

Jim Collins says in Good to Great:

Why not apply the same approach to your career?

Think of yourself as a company:

• Your product: Your expertise.

• Your value: The impact you create.

• Your stakeholders: Your family, community, and yourself.

The best way to approach your career with the discipline of a company? The Strategy Pyramid—a framework often used to develop business strategy that focuses on three key elements:

1. Purpose (values, vision, mission)

2. Goals

3. Actions (strategies, tactics)

Today, we’ll tackle purpose. Next week, we’ll dive into goals and actions.

1. Identify Your Values: What Do You Believe

Your values are your non-negotiables. They guide every decision, big or small.

James Clear calls these “identity-based habits” in Atomic Habits. He says identity-based habits are, “your beliefs: your worldview, self-image, and judgments about yourself and others.”

For example, if I want to write a book, I could set a goal to write daily. But unless I change my belief to “I am a writer,” it’s unlikely to stick.

Start by asking yourself:

• What do I want to stand for?

• What principles guide my decisions?

• Who do I wish to become?

Then, draft five “I am the kind of person who…” statements.

Here are mine: I am the kind of person who…

• Supports and prioritizes my family.

• Is financially stable and responsible.

• Eats healthy and works out regularly.

• Strives to learn and grow consistently.

• Doesn’t back down from a challenge.

Even if your statements don’t feel 100% true today, small wins aligned with your values will eventually make them a reality.

Keep these beliefs top of mind. My beliefs are at the top of my planning document as a daily reminder of who I want to be. It’s my guiding light.

2. Visualize Your Future

A company’s vision statement paints a picture of the future. For example, Google’s vision is “to provide access to the world’s information in one click”. This statement guides their decisions and aspirations.

You can also use visualization to guide your aspirations. Visualization practices connect your current self to your aspirational self. It builds belief in what’s possible.

Research shows that visualization reinforces neural pathways, enhances skills, and primes your mind to act in ways that align with your goals. Think of it as weightlifting for your brain.

A guiding question for visualization: What would your life look like if your values were true in 5-10 years?

Three ways to put it in practice:

1. Create a vision board (there are a bunch of great templates on Canva)

2. Do a visualization meditation.

3. Write and repeat affirmations.

One thing I hope to implement in 2025 is spending 5 minutes weekly closing my eyes and visualizing my dream future. We’ll see how it goes!

3. Create a Personal Mission Statement

If vision is the destination, your mission is the map that guides you there.

In business, a mission statement defines what an organization does and how it achieves its goals. On a personal level, creating a mission statement can clarify your purpose and align your actions with your long-term aspirations.

Here’s a helpful article on crafting a mission statement to get started.

Ask yourself:

• What type of work leaves me feeling most fulfilled?

• What impact do I want to have on the world or those around me?

• How can my current actions support my long-term goals?

Using your answers, draft a 1-2 sentence personal mission statement. This is your opportunity to connect your values, vision, and purpose into a concise and powerful declaration of intent.

Template to use: "I aim to [what you want to achieve/contribute], by [how you’ll do it], so that [the impact you aim to fulfill]."

My Example: "I aim to empower others by being a reliable, honest, and supportive partner, enabling individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.”

Think This Is a Lot?

Leaders spend months on strategic planning for their companies. If you spend even an hour a week on your career strategy, you’ll gain confidence, clarity, and direction faster than you think.

Otherwise, you risk falling into the complacency trap. Complacency can quickly lead to mediocrity and an unfulfilled career. Be careful; complacency can strike quickly when you least expect it.

One Final Thought

I’ll be honest—I don’t do all of this religiously. Some habits stick, others don’t. But I know I’m better when I set a clear purpose and direction. And I believe you will be, too.

Test things out and see what works. Hopefully this article gives you some ideas to start.

Want to join me? I’m considering starting an accountability circle—a monthly call to help us stay on track. If you’re interested, reply and let me know. I’ve always wanted to do this, so here’s me putting it out there.

Let’s get intentional and set ourselves up for a great 2025.

Happy Holidays to you all! I hope you have a relaxing week with family and friends. See you next week to dig into the second portion of the strategy pyramid.