SELF-MASTERYMonths to result

Creating Coherence

Align Workview & Lifeview

Problem it solves

Unhelpful mental patterns and fixed mindsets limit potential and prevent sustained growth; this framework provides specific cognitive and behavioral tools to develop the mindset required for peak performance.

Best for

Individuals seeking work-life balance and coherence

Not ideal for

Those who prefer a traditional 9-to-5 job

Overview

Why this framework exists

Creating Coherence is a framework for designing a work life that aligns with one's values, goals, and priorities. It involves identifying and reconciling the differences between one's Workview and Lifeview, and making intentional choices to create a more coherent life. The framework emphasizes the importance of considering multiple aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal growth, to create a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Align your Workview and Lifeview to create a sense of coherence
  2. Consider multiple aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal growth
  3. Make intentional choices to create a more fulfilling life

Steps

4 steps
  1. Identify Your Workview and Lifeview
    Reflect on your values, goals, and priorities in your work and personal life. Identify areas of alignment and misalignment between your Workview and Lifeview.
    Pro tipUse journaling or meditation to clarify your thoughts and feelings
    WarningBe honest with yourself, and avoid self-criticism
  2. Assess Your Current Work Life
    Evaluate your current work life, including your job, relationships, and personal growth. Identify areas that are working well and areas that need improvement.
    Pro tipSeek feedback from trusted friends or mentors
    WarningAvoid comparing yourself to others
  3. Design Your Ideal Work Life
    Envision your ideal work life, including your work, relationships, and personal growth. Consider what changes you need to make to create a more coherent life.
    Pro tipUse visualization techniques to imagine your ideal work life
    WarningBe realistic about your limitations and constraints
  4. Make Intentional Choices
    Make intentional choices to create a more coherent life. This may involve making changes to your work, relationships, or personal growth.
    Pro tipStart small and make incremental changes
    WarningAvoid making drastic changes without careful consideration

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Dave's Story

Dave, a workaholic, struggled to find balance in his work life. He tried various solutions, but ultimately found that becoming a consultant allowed him to create a more coherent life.

OutcomeDave was able to spend more time with his family and pursue his passions, leading to a more fulfilling life.
The Long-Haul Trucker

A long-haul trucker designed a work life that allowed him to spend time with his family and pursue his interests, despite the demands of his job.

OutcomeThe trucker was able to create a sense of coherence and fulfillment in his work life, despite the challenges of his job.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Lack of Self-Awareness
Failing to understand your own values, goals, and priorities can lead to a lack of coherence in your work life.
Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction, rather than focusing on your own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Fear of Change
Fear of change can hold you back from making intentional choices to create a more coherent life.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of Creating Coherence originated from the authors' experiences and observations of individuals struggling to find balance and purpose in their work lives. The framework is based on the idea that individuals have the power to design their own work lives and create a sense of coherence and fulfillment.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Designing Your Work Life
Bill Burnett · 2020
Open source →

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