In-depth: The Calendar Test
The calendar test is useful to pull apart abstract blah blah of the purpose of a project.
It also allows you to layer multiple perspectives in the purpose field.
Some non profit organizations, for example, serve a societal mission and a have a commercial objective and a purpose for employees. It helps if you can discern if these are hanging in the sky or are firmly planted on the ground!
In the video of the previous lesson I touch on it lightly: “Is a purpose directional? Then it’s more like an aim and hangs in the sky. Or is it practical and can you achieve it?”
When we talk about purpose you can divide them in two categories: directional and practical.
The calendar test will help you check which is which. Is this ‘purpose’ something that can be achieved and written down in your calendar? Than it’s practical. Everything else is directional.
Quick Quiz
JFK’s 1961 speech. “We commit to bring a man to the moon and bring him back safely before the end of this decade.”
Directional or practical?
👉 June 20, 1969 we can put in the Calendar: purpose achieved. Therefore practical! ✅
Happy Socks. I open the box and brightly colors punch my face. The inside of the box says: “Bringing happiness to every corner of the world.”
Directional or practical?
👉 Will this ever be achieved? Do the calendar test. No, of course not!! Therefore directional! ✅
Does this work? Let me know!
See you in the next lesson.