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Kim has never followed the conventional route. From studying for a master’s degree in cognitive psychology, she worked in non-profit, government and healthcare sectors until she left the corporate world to set up on her own.

A quest without a map

Kim sees her life as an adventure, a quest to build a business and a life that fits who she is and what she has to offer the world. However, Kim reflects in her chapter in Enough that this was a journey without a map. There was no secret formula or process. Instead, Kim asked herself, as she set out on her journey, questions such as

• Where do I start?
• What matters?
• How do I define success?

A map with three touchstones

Kim started her quest without a map. However, as she travelled along her chosen path, she drew her map, which, on reflection, she realised was founded on three touchstones. Kim’s touchstones are profound and valuable. Take note of them if you seek meaning and purpose through change and by making a difference.

Clarity
Kim’s first touchstone is clarity, echoed in the Crazy for Change paradigm by the second stage of wisdom. In short, you must find answers to two fundamental questions:

• What do you want?
• What do they (i.e. those who you will serve) want?

Finding answers to these questions is an exercise in internal reflection and external research. However, the solutions provide the foundation for your life of meaning.

Confidence
Kim’s next touchstone is about confidence and requires you to answer one question:

• Am I sure I can do this?

The answer, initially, may well be “no”, but do not be put off. Learning is an essential part of the growth of your business and your life, and you may find you have to get help from others who do know.

Kim also gained confidence by getting stuck in and doing it. The first time is hard, but it provides the lift to carry on and do it repeatedly.

And out of this comes trust in yourself and the confidence of those with whom you work.

Consistency
Finally, Kim recognised the power of consistency. As Kim writes in Enough, “Consistency is all the work that you do over and over again that demonstrates to both you and to others that this work is for real. Consistency demonstrates your professionalism.”

Great quests don’t come with maps.

Whether you are starting on a journey or re-inventing yourself after a life-changing event such as the kids leaving home, redundancy or imminent retirement, head Kim’s words: “Great quests don’t come with maps, but I hope these concepts of clarity, confidence, and consistency help you to draw your own.”

Attributions

Photo by N. on Unsplash

References and taking it further

Kim LeClair at East Willow
https://eastwillow.com/

Enough: Unlock a life of abundance starting right where you are
https://enoughthebook.co/

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