Inspired by Brian Tracy’s timeless goal-setting exercise

If you’ve worked with me for any length of time, you know I’m a big believer in clarity. Clarity precedes confidence. Confidence precedes action.

But so often, we skip right to the how before we’ve ever taken a breath to ask ourselves, What do I truly want?

One exercise I often use with everyone comes from the brilliant Brian Tracy. It’s deceptively simple, but it cuts through the noise of everyday life. I encourage you to grab a pen, set a timer, and answer these seven questions as fast as you can.

No overthinking. No editing. Just intuition.

1. What are your five basic values in life?

The foundation of everything begins here. What truly matters to you — not what should matter, but what actually does?

2. What are your three most important goals in life right now?

The ones that make your heart race. Forget what looks impressive — focus on what feels authentic.

3. If you found out you only had six months to live, how would you spend your time?

Mortality sharpens perspective. What rises to the top when every moment counts?

4. If you became an instant millionaire, what would you do differently from what you’re doing today?

Money doesn’t change who you are — it magnifies what’s already there. What would you expand, amplify, or let go of?

5. What have you always wanted to do but been afraid to attempt?

Fear often hides your next calling. What dream has been whispering at you from behind the curtain?

6. What activities give you your greatest feeling of importance?

Where do you feel most alive, purposeful, and aligned? That’s your compass.

7. What one great thing would you dare to dream if you knew you could not fail?

Let this one take your breath away. Dream beyond logic — beyond “reasonable.”

Brian Tracy said, “You can be, have, or do anything you want — the only question is how badly you want it, and whether you’re willing to pay the price.”

I’d add this: The price isn’t always sacrifice. Sometimes it’s presence — the willingness to sit still long enough to listen to yourself.

Take ten minutes. Write fast. Feel deeply. Then look at your answers — not as a to-do list, but as a mirror.

You might just rediscover the person you’ve been becoming all along.