As we roll into the new year, do a quick check-in.

Are you borrowing goals from other people as your guidepost for yourself?

Are you copying their strategies for success?

If so, that recipe is deeply flawed, primarily because what worked for someone else won’t necessarily work for you.

Their path isn’t yours.

If you want an effective strategy or a powerful goal, you need to craft it so that it honors your unique individuality and also addresses your own definition for success.

This requires you first consider what truly matters to you.

This can only come from inside you.

You can use the following framework to guide you in crafting your unique strategy for success:

The ALIGN Framework

A: Assess Your Strengths

Start by taking stock of what makes you uniquely you.

• What comes naturally to you that others find difficult?

• What activities energize you and bring you a sense of flow?

• What experiences and lessons have shaped your perspective?

• What are your secrets to success that have served you your whole life?

These are the raw materials of your success—your personal strengths and insights that no one else can replicate.

They are also what will allow you to have scale—increasing your impact without overextending on effort.

L: Limit What Drains You

Not all work is created equal. Identifying what diminishes your energy and productivity is just as important as knowing your strengths.

• What tasks or responsibilities leave you feeling depleted?

• Where do you consistently struggle or underperform?

By defining these limits, you can avoid the trap of spreading yourself too thin and focus your energy on the things that are both energizing and have high returns on your effort.

I: Identify Your Impact

Your unique abilities have a ripple effect on others. To pinpoint your impact, ask yourself:

• How have your strengths benefited others?

• When you step away, what’s missing from the room?

• What small efforts have yielded your biggest results?

Understanding your contribution helps you see the value you bring to the table and provides clarity on where you create the most impact.

G: Grow Your Network

No one succeeds alone.

Building meaningful connections is key to achieving your goals.

To quote the African proverb, “if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

• Who in your current network can support your next move?

• Who don’t you know yet, but should?

Success often depends on the strength and quality of your relationships.

Be intentional about nurturing connections and seeking introductions to the right people.

N: Navigate Your Definition of Success

Finally, chart your course by defining success on your terms:

• What does a fulfilling, sustainable life look like for you?

• How can your work align with your values and priorities?

Success isn’t just about goals; it’s about the journey.

The By honoring your individuality, setting boundaries, and aligning your work with what truly matters, you create a strategy that’s uniquely yours.

Creating your Future

When you focus on what you’re naturally suited to do, limit what drains you, amplify your impact, and invest in relationships, you create a strategy that’s both effective and sustainable.

This isn’t about squeezing more hours out of the day or emulating someone else’s playbook.

It’s about living and working in alignment with who you are.

By using the ALIGN framework, you’ll experience a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Success isn’t a destination; it’s a life well-lived, in harmony with your humanity.

So, what will your strategy look like? When you honor your unique gifts and embrace your own path, you create your future.

Love,

Audrey