This is part 3 (I know, it’s been a while since part 2) of introducing the Integrated Life Framework, a tool to help you enjoy meaningful relationships, build a rewarding career, and live an inspired life. 

The framework consists of five concentric circles (see image). I’ve summarized two of them, the Self and the Practices. To recap:

• The Self is the person you are born to become, as of today. It is who you are. It can be influenced but is largely unchangeable.
• The Practices are things you actively do, never complete, and risk losing if you stop. They include things such as faith, mindfulness, and creativity. The Practices are a way for us to understand the Self.

Today I’ll talk briefly about the next circle, the Manifestations. Put simply, this layer represents the “manifested self” or the self “showing” itself to you and the world. The self is this nebulous, amorphous thing that we need tools to decrypt and understand. But, the manifested self is easier to identify. It includes things like your hobbies and interests, why you like certain books or movies, and all other tangible things that reflect who you are.

It also includes our behaviors, how we act, and what we do in given situations, which illustrates why it is the circle outside of the Practices. The practices help us understand the self. When we’re actively practicing them, they influence and shape how the self manifests itself to the world.

Your profession and career choices are part of the manifestations, also. But it is important not to confuse this with Roles, which is next week. When you think about your career choice, instead of labeling it as a title (i.e. “I’m a project manager”), think about why you were drawn to it and what parts you like and don’t like (organizing, achievement, results, people). Those are the parts that are the manifestations.

By thinking about the manifestations, you’ll start to have a deeper understanding of yourself. Spend some time thinking about the activities that make you feel stirred on the inside. What are some of the hobbies you truly enjoy and what is it about them? What do you do for exercise or physical activity and why did you choose that particular one? If you didn’t have to earn a living, what would you do for work and why?

Of course, we’d love to work at nothing all day. Until that becomes your reality, use your time with Simple Sundays to get the most of life and make Monday awesome! See you next week.

Brian