Your quest, should you choose to accept it, is the overriding principle on which to base your life and career. This gives your life clarity and focus, without stifling or restricting you.

A quest story is written to inspire you, not to impress others. It reflects your inner desires and values, as well as the direction of your life. It is a powerful tool and should not be rushed. It may be best to start by writing everything you want to be, do, have and how you will serve others.

Then memorize it, internalize it, and live it.

Your quest story should include an inner goal, what it will take to please you, your deepest desires and dreams. You also want to include an outer goal, which is how you will serve others. This ‘outer’ goal is important because it will usually point out how you will make money by reaching your inner goal. Your quest story does not need to include your desire to have a Porsche, a beach house in Itay and the best tables in the best restaurants, however.

Fill in this story line:  I would like to work in…., doing ………… and be known for ………

This story line will help you focus on what is best for you. Not what is okay, good, or better, but what is BEST. This will keep you focused from day to day and year to year.

Having a hard time developing a quest story? How about just a theme for the year? Choose a Motto. Make this your year to do something special.

An Alternative: The Credo   

What do you stand for? It is handy to have your own personal credo, it is similar to a quest story but less action-oriented. A credo is a written statement of your personal values and code of behavior.

Make it your Goal

Okay I am assuming you have come up with a quest story, or a theme or a credo. That is your goal. Now write it down. Say it out loud. Tell it to somebody else.  Think about it. How badly do you really want this? Be careful what you wish for. Why do you want it? If you can establish the motive, then the means and opportunity will fall into place. Narrow it down. Be specific.

Be honest. How many plates can you spin at once before it all comes crashing down? Most creative heroines can and want to do many things. Perhaps you can do it all at once. More likely, you can do some now, some later.  If you want to be the best at one thing, you have to focus on that one thing and let the other stuff go. What are you willing to give up, at least for a little while?