The Reading Assignment: This Module Presents Five Decisions

The Reading Assignment This Module Presents 5 Decisions That Can Serve

The reading assignment this module presents 5 decisions that can serve as cardinal points on a life compass (i.e., north, south, east, west). How have you answered (or are you answering) the following questions proposed by Elmore (2015, p. )? Decision #1: What are my values? Decision #2: What vision do I want to pursue? Decision #3: What is my virtue? Decision #4: What’s the best venue for me? Decision #5: What vehicles will I employ to help me reach my goal? How do your responses to these questions serve as the cardinal on the compass of your life?

Paper For Above instruction

In navigating the complex landscape of personal development and goal achievement, it is essential to establish foundational decision points that act as compass points guiding one's life. Elmore (2015) proposes five critical decisions, which function as the cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west—helping individuals chart their unique paths. Reflecting on these questions can profoundly influence how one perceives and advances their life journey, serving as a moral and strategic compass that harmonizes values, aspirations, virtues, appropriate environments, and actionable methods.

The first decision—"What are my values?"—serves as the northern point of the compass. Values are the core principles guiding one’s behavior and choices, forming the moral foundation upon which all other decisions are made. By clearly identifying personal values, individuals create a moral map that directs their actions, ensuring consistency and integrity. For instance, someone who values honesty and compassion may prioritize transparency and kindness in their personal and professional relationships. These core values influence the vision they pursue, the virtues they cultivate, and the venues and vehicles they select to actualize their goals.

The second decision, "What vision do I want to pursue?"—corresponds to the eastern point—represents one's aspirational horizon. Vision encompasses the mental image of the desired future, serving as motivation and a guiding beacon. A clear and compelling vision energizes individuals to overcome obstacles and align their actions with long-term goals. For example, a person aiming to become a community leader must visualize their impact, network extensively, and lead initiatives that reflect their broader aspirations. This vision acts as a compass needle, continually steering efforts toward the envisioned future.

Third, "What is my virtue?" pinpoints the southern direction on the compass—fundamental moral excellence. Virtue involves embodying qualities such as integrity, courage, humility, and perseverance. Cultivating virtues ensures that actions are not solely goal-driven but also ethically sound, fostering trust and credibility. Virtue complements the vision by embedding moral strength into one's pursuits, ensuring that the journey remains aligned with moral standards. For instance, perseverance ensures resilience amid setbacks, while humility enables learning from failures, both vital in reaching one's goals responsibly.

The fourth decision, "What’s the best venue for me?"—corresponds to the western point—relates to selecting the appropriate environment or context to thrive. This involves assessing the organizational culture, social networks, or physical settings where one's skills and values are most effectively expressed and developed. For instance, an individual committed to innovation may seek a dynamic startup environment over a hierarchical corporation. Choosing the right venue maximizes one's potential, resources, and well-being, ensuring that efforts are optimized in environments conducive to growth.

Finally, "What vehicles will I employ to help me reach my goal?" pertains to the practical strategies and tools—the transportation—used to move toward the vision. Vehicles include skills, education, relationships, habits, and resources. Selecting effective vehicles ensures that one can navigate the terrain of their goals efficiently. For example, pursuing advanced degrees, building professional networks, or adopting disciplined routines serve as vehicles propelling one closer to their aspirations. These mechanisms transform abstract visions into concrete achievements, much like choosing the right mode of transportation to reach a destination.

In summation, these five decisions collectively form a personalized life compass, with each point reinforcing the others. Values inform the virtues that uphold integrity; the vision provides direction; the venues offer suitable environments; and the vehicles act as the means to reach the destination. When aligned, they create a harmonious framework that guides individuals through life's inherent uncertainties and challenges. By consciously answering and revisiting these questions, individuals can ensure that their life's trajectory remains purposeful, authentic, and resilient, ultimately leading to fulfilling personal and professional fulfillment.

References

• Elmore, R. F. (2015). Learning from difference. Harvard University Press.
• Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Powerful lessons in personal change. Free Press.
• Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's search for meaning. Beacon Press.
• Schwartz, B. (2016). The paradox of choice: Why more is less. HarperCollins.
• Brown, B. (2018). Dare to lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole hearts. Random House.
• Sinek, S. (2009). Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. Penguin.
• Peterson, J. B. (2006). The road to character. Random House.
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
• Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
• Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). The how of happiness: A scientific approach to getting the life you want. Penguin Press.