by Kelly Beischel PhD, RN, CNE, CAPP, CPPC

I have a client who’s currently in academia and wants to create a coaching practice. 

She hired me to help her build her practice.

We’ve been working together to define who she wants to serve, what she wants to offer, how she wants to serve them.

And the big one – Define your WHY.

In other words, what is her compelling reason for doing this work?

Why is defining your “why” an important step? 

Because your “why” is what sustains you when the going gets tough. And you and I both know life gets tough.

It’s easier to push through resistance when your “why” is more compelling than what’s holding you back.

We’ve also discussed the question, “At the end of your days what do you want to have taken a risk on even if it means you may fail?” 

Asking this question has led my husband and I down some pretty cool paths.

The next step is writing a manifesto. 

Merriam Webster says a manifesto is:

definition of manifesto

Others define a manifesto as being a statement of your beliefs, intentions/aspirations, and wisdom.

Why Write Your Own Manifesto?

While I’m working on this with my client who’s building a coaching practice, manifestos aren’t just used for building businesses.

Manifestos are great guideposts for personal and professional aspirations, classroom conduct, team building, and even projects.

Writing your manifesto helps clarify your aspirations, what you really want from life.

Manifestos inspire action. And they can be a measuring stick for decision making.

Making your manifesto public helps hold you accountable to live out your intentions. (And this is important if you are someone like me. Did someone say, “squirrel”? :))

Your manifesto offers the reader (students, potential clients, family, team etc) clarity about what is important to you.

How to Write Your Manifesto

There’s no law dictating how to write a manifesto.

It can be long; it can be short.

And yes it will evolve right along with you as your self-awareness about what you desire and what you won’t tolerate grows.

So, don’t hold back writing your manifesto because you’re afraid that your convictions will change.

That’s a given.

It’s helpful to first clarify your values, explore your strengths, and imagine what could be.

Yes.

Dream a little.

No one was ever inspired by the dry truth or stark reality. And when you read your manifesto, you want it to inspire you to get off the sidelines and go after life.

If you’re having a difficult time getting inspired it’s helpful to listen to uplifting music, videos, podcasts or read inspirational quotes – whatever gets your mojo flowing.

CAUTION: Do not stay too long in the, “I need to get inspired” corner. Remember that you aren’t carving this in stone. It’s a living document.

So let’s try this. 

Grab some paper, a journal, or a whiteboard.

And brainstorm your beliefs, goals, and wisdom.

You can use these phrases to guide you: 

I believe…

I want to … (Or, I’m committed to…)

I know this to be true …

Leave it to simmer on the back burner of your mind for a few days. (But, be sure to capture thoughts that pop up in your head at unexpected times.)

How did it go??

I’m still massaging my manifesto but I wanted to share what I have thus far to give you the courage to begin yours.

These are the things I’ve written so far:

I Believe …

  • Thoughts become things.
  • Gratitude changes everything.
  • Authenticity beats comfortability.
  • Confidence is built on the shoulders of action.
  • I can do hard things. We can do harder things, together.
  • I was made to love, empower, connect, and build into others.

I’m committed to …

  • Choosing love.
  • Doing it scared.
  • Loving out loud.
  • Befriending fear and building courage.
  • Promoting self-love and self-acceptance.
  • Empowering and equipping others to see their possibility and capability.

I Know This to Be True …

  • Life doesn’t wait.
  • Love conquers all.
  • Taking a stand matters.
  • Listening to my heart never fails me.
  • Comparison is the thief of happiness.
  • Your thoughts are what keep you stuck.
  • Failing is the fastest way to growth – look for ways to fail. And then fail fast and fail often.

How about you?

What do you believe?

What are your intentions?

What wisdom do you live by?

Let me know your thoughts. 

And if you’re willing, I’d love to read your manifesto.

Caring about you,