AN INTIMATE JOURNEY

TOWARD MY LIFE BEST LIVED

Jason M. Miller
April 17, 2022
OGL482
Professor Wilson
 The sections to follow will
present the following items:
- Research Process and
Methods

INTRODUCTION
- Data Sources
- Themes Derived from
Data Sources
- Supporting Data
- Personal Reflections
- Source References
 To arrive at the conclusions displayed in the
following presentation, I analyzed multiple data
sources that have been collected over many
months to build a database of information. This
information was studied to find common themes
which were then coded and grouped into
RESEARCH sections based on their affiliation. By
PROCESS aggregating the information in each section, I
was able to develop themes that were
AND represented based on the collective information
METHODS in each section. These themes were then written
in a way that most accurately represented the
data analyzed. Each theme is detailed in the
following slides along with coded information,
any conflicting data and a brief personal
reflection of the content of the theme.
 Identify multiple sources of data

Analyze to determine thematic elements

Group common Attach source

RESEARCH elements in sections references for coding

PROCESS Create data-based themes from aggregate data

AND Revisit source material to ensure thematic accuracy

METHODS Present theme material

(CONT’D)
Thematic Source Supporting Conflicting Personal
statement reference data information Reflection

Conclusive summary

Source reference list

11 different data sources from various
areas were collected over many
months and carefully analyzed for
common themes. These sources
include personal narratives, personality
tests, values assessments and work
inventories. This data forms the
foundation of the conclusions drawn in MY DATA
the form of thematic statements.
SOURCES
Each thematic statement shows
supporting information from these data
sources to allow the reader to
understand how each theme was
derived.
 • Life Story Personal Narrative (LSPN) – This exercise
tasked me with writing a detailed narrative
highlighting several important events throughout my
life. Identifying impactful moments created the
framework for understanding what has brought me to
my current understanding and what has created the
context for my decision-making.

DATA
• 3 Questions Assessment (3Q) - This assessment tool is
SOURCES designed to narrow our life direction. Three successive
questions begin by looking at what activities bring me
joy. Among these items, we narrow down which ones
I have had success in doing. Finally, which of these
remaining activities are in need in the world. The
output is a list of potential areas of direction for my
live. This tool is self-reflective; therefore, it does not
pool from outside perspectives and does not look at
the path to these activities as a form of life work.
 • Identity Exercise (IE) - This exercise asked me to
create a grid to list multiple subtopics from which I
find identity. Then, each subtopic was analyzed
to determine how it shapes my views and
influences my actions. The purpose was to steer
away from the shallow view of identity from work
and elevate the way many other areas of
identification shape my life.
DATA
SOURCES • Dreams and Desires Worksheet (DD) – This
exercise was a brainstorming session that tasked
(CONT’D)
me with listing out as many desires or dreams I
have in life. The purpose was to find patterns and
themes in the list and then narrow the long list into
the top five dreams. This short list was then
analyzed to determine motivators behind these
dreams as well as better understand areas of
greatest desire or passion.
 • Kuder’s Career Interest Assessment (CI) – This
assessment tool used the answers to a series of
questions to determine my most prominent career
interests based on the list of Holland’s Personality
Types. The results intended to provide a snapshot
of the types of work that are most preferred as
well as those that are least preferred.
DATA
SOURCES • Kuder’s Skills Confidence Assessment (SC) - This
assessment tool used the answers to a series of
(CONT’D)
questions to determine the areas of work I feel
most confident in based on the list of Holland’s
Personality Types. The results intended to provide
a snapshot of the types of work that I have
confidence I could perform as well as those I felt
least able to accomplish.
 • Super’s Work Values Assessment (WV) – This
assessment tool asked me to rank how strongly I
supported a series of work-related values. The
categories of these values were scored based on
the weight I placed on each and a graph was
developed detailing my preferences of work values
from highest to lowest priority.

DATA
SOURCES • Career Anchor Exercise (CA) – This exercise was
intended to the areas of work that fulfill our highest
(CONT’D) needs. A series of statements were made about
conditions surrounding work and I was asked to
place a needs fulfillment weight on each. The
conditions were each connected to a specific
area of need which was then aggregated based
on the weight score I placed on each of them. The
result consisted of a ranked score of career-related
needs from highest priority to lowest priority.
 • DISC Personality Test (DISC) – This tool provided a
series of statement pairs and asked that I choose
which of the statements were most accurate to my
personality. Each of the statements fit into one of four
categories: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and
DATA Compliance. The chosen phrases produced scores
SOURCES within once of these respective areas and the result of
the assessment was a pie chart with the weight of
(CONT’D) each characteristic presented as a percentage of the
pie. The intention was to identify my most dominant
and passive characteristics and assess the relationship
they have to each other.
 • Workstyle Patterns Inventory (WSP) – This tool asked
a series of questions relative to work preference
and work success to identify what type of work I
prefer and whether that type of work is consistent
with where I currently work. Additionally, it aligned
my preferred style of work with other areas of work
to suggest possible changes either within the area I
currently exist or in new areas.
DATA
SOURCES • ME3 Exercise (ME3) – This assessment used a series
(CONT’D) of picture pairs depicting various scenarios. I was
asked to choose the picture that most represented
situations I prefer over the other. The pictures were
each weighted and placed into different
categories. The result was a list of possible career
fields recommended based on the answers within
the assessment.
 DATA SOURCE KEY
3Q – 3 Questions Assessment
LSPN – Life Story Personal Narrative
IE – Identity Exercise
DD – Dreams and Desires Worksheet
CI – Kuder’s Career Interest Assessment
SC – Kuder’s Skills Confidence Assessment
WV – Super’s Work Values Assessment
CA – Career Anchor Exercise
DISC – DISC Personality Test
WSP – Workstyle Patterns Inventory
ME3 – ME3 Exercise
 I analyzed the various
data sources to find
common themes
throughout. These

MY 10 THEMES
tentative themes were
aggregated and sorted
into related cluster
groups. These cluster
groups form the basis of
the themes which I will
list in the following slides.
 THEME 1: FAMILY

Theme Statement:
Developing a deeply connected relationship with my
wife and collectively raise our children to be
independent, have high ethical standards and add
value to the world they live in.
 THEME 1: FAMILY
(CONT’D)
Supporting Data:
• I am the best version of myself when I am acting in the role of a husband and
father. (LSPN)
• I find inspiration and motivation from making my family my highest priority because
it allows me to build and reinforce what is most important to me. (LSPN)
• Raising independent children with high moral character is my goal in parenting and
watching my children learn to make the world a better place on their own gives me
incredible joy. (LSPN)
• I find my greatest identity in my role within my family (IE)
• The quality of my relationship with my family is the strongest indicator of how I
view myself (IE)
• My highest aspiration is to develop and maintain a healthy relationship with my
family (DD)
 THEME 1: FAMILY
(CONT’D)

Contradictory Evidence
• There have been times when I have not prioritized my
family and have become distracted by other, less
important but more urgent things. (LSPN)
 THEME 1: FAMILY
(CONT’D)

Reflection & Life Impact

• Remaining committed to being the best version of myself and
bringing that to my relationship with my wife and the father-figure
and leader my children need me to be is both where I find the
greatest satisfaction and the most content I am with myself.
Ensuring I am consistent in who I am to my family will give them the
support they need and help me stay true to my highest values.
 THEME 2: SECURITY

Theme Statement:
A way I control my surroundings when I am
feeling uncertain is to find ways to learn
new things so I can apply it to the work
that I do.
 THEME 2: SECURITY
(CONT’D)
Supporting Data:
• Uncertainty drives me to achieve results because results tend to produce
clarity of purpose. (LSPN)
• When I have felt insecure socially, I have focused on new knowledge and
personal growth to feel more confident. (LSPN)
• Purposeful work creates a sense of security for me. (LSPN)
• I want to be in control of my destiny therefore I work to build life the way I
want it to be. (LSPN)
• I value self-sufficiency as it is a means to feeling emotionally secure. (LSPN)
• My independence is a strength in that I learn to take challenges head-on
and feel the need to handle problems myself. (LSPN)
• When faced with few choices, I will create alternatives and challenge
processes or find new opportunities. (WSP)
• Having job security is important for me to feel secure in adequately
supporting my family and creating an adequate standard of living. (CA)
 THEME 2: SECURITY
(CONT’D)

Contradictory Evidence
• My independence is a weakness because it often causes
me to isolate from others. (LSPN)
• Personal security and stability is not a priority to me (CA)
• The context of this statement was in terms of personal need
for financial security or workplace stability. In context of a
family, these things are much more valuable than as a single
person. Additionally, This is not speaking to emotional or
social security.
 THEME 2: SECURITY
(CONT’D)

Reflection & Life Impact

• Growing up in a family that struggled financially was a
contributing factor in my emotional and social feelings of
security. I found throughout my life that I can find security in
the areas I am capable of controlling. These areas include
my ability to learn, grow and create my own opportunities. I
have learned to find contentment in the areas I am unable
to control and build stability in those I am able to control.
 THEME 3: WORK ETHIC

Theme Statement:
I believe working diligently, consistently and with
integrity is foundational to achieving personal goals.
 THEME 3: WORK ETHIC
(CONT’D)
Supporting Data:
• Working to increase performance regardless of the time and energy needed,
help me overcome deficiencies (LSPN)
• I began consistently working at a young age which helped me mature and
develop a reinforced work ethic. (LSPN)
• I see the value of hard work and use that to get ahead and increase my
opportunities. (LSPN)
• I find personal value and satisfaction in work accomplished (IE)
• Confident in physical work, especially those areas requiring work with tools and
machines (SC)
• I am willing to make personal sacrifice to realize goals (WSP)
• I believe hard work and belief in self is what is necessary to accomplish goals
(WSP)
 THEME 3: WORK ETHIC
(CONT’D)

Contradictory Evidence
• I did not find contradictory evidence in this area. I believe this is an area
that requires clear lines to be drawn. Either one has a strong work ethic
or a weak work ethic. I would not expect to find contradictory
evidence in this area unless it was not a major theme.
 THEME 3: WORK ETHIC
(CONT’D)

Reflection & Life Impact

• My introduction to work at an early age felt more of a necessity than a
choice. In starting work young, I was able to learn valuable lessons
about hard work. I learned that working hard opened the door to more
opportunity as it was noticed by others. I also realized that hard work
had much to do with attitude. Once I was determined to see the work I
accomplished as a picture of myself and my character, I wanted all the
work I was involved in to be given my best. This has led to increased
opportunity, increased success in the areas I choose to engage and
pride in the work I accomplish.
 THEME 4: MENTORSHIP

Theme Statement:
Being mentored and having those I
mentor is essential to reaching personal
goals and living in line with my values to
empower others.
 THEME 4: MENTORSHIP
(CONT’D)

Supporting Data:
• I have been shaped greatly by those who I felt believed in me (LSPN)
• Mentorship is important to personal development (LSPN)
• I care about the needs of others (LSPN)
• Giving to others has always been necessary (LSPN)
• I find value in adding value to others (LSPN)
• High interest in growing human relationships (CI)
• I am confident when placed in positions to teach others (SC)
• I am confident in my ability to develop and grow interpersonal
relationships (SC)
• I am confident and passionate in the process of helping others
succeed (SC)
 THEME 4: MENTORSHIP
(CONT’D)

Contradictory Evidence
• There are times when my response to a drive to achieve is
to focus inward until I reach the objective. (LSPN)
• This inward focus could cause me to resist the need to
be mentored by someone else or to fail to look
outward for assistance or advice.
 THEME 4: MENTORSHIP
(CONT’D)

Reflection & Life Impact

• Mentorship and intentional relationships are critical to
personal and professional development. This type of
relationship allows us to see things that are not obvious
without someone else reflecting them back to us.
Additionally, we grow by receiving honest feedback,
differing perspectives and tapping into knowledge from
someone else’s experiences. Mentorship is a two-way
transfer and requires intentionality, understanding, humility
and empathy to perform well.
 THEME 5: PERSPECTIVE

Theme Statement:
Environments where I have autonomy are where I
can be most creative, innovative, and maintain
positivity.
 THEME 5: PERSPECTIVE
(CONT’D)
Supporting Data:
• I exercise patience and perseverance (LSPN)
• I thrive in high stress environments (LSPN)
• I can think quickly and pivot when necessary (LSPN)
• I process slowly large decisions (LSPN)
• I weigh the cost of situations before committing time, energy and resources (LSPN)
• I have a positive attitude which drives me to complete objectives (LSPN)
• I think not in terms of “if” but “how”. (LSPN)
• I do not work well with tight rules and governance (LSPN)
• I pivot to respond to work based on urgency (IE)
• I am interested in traveling to places I have never been (IE)
• I am confident in working with tools and machines (SC)
• I am able to solve problems using structured solutions (IE)
• I resist personal feedback (WSP)
• I possess very low levels of steadiness and compliance (DISC)
 THEME 5: PERSPECTIVE
(CONT’D)
Contradictory Evidence
• I am not confident in scientific analysis IE
• I am not confident in science and math skills IE
• I am not confident in art, music and writing skills IE
• I am not confident in creating art with physical, human or
verbal materials IE
• I need to work to ensure priorities are supported LSPN

* Lack of confidence in these areas may lead to a skewed

perspective on what is possible. Additionally, I must stay
engaged to ensure I am maintaining a focused perspective to
ensure I am properly supporting my priorities.
 THEME 5: PERSPECTIVE
(CONT’D)

Reflection & Life Impact

• This area was one I had not spent a lot of time considering prior to
this project. In looking at my ability to work at my best, I realized
that much of my positive perspective took place when my
environment allowed freedom and authority to think and act
outside of rigid constructs. I am interested in how I can engineer my
environments to ensure that I maintain a positive and creative
perspective.
 THEME 6: CHALLENGES

Theme Statement:
The main source of my motivation and
willingness to take risks comes from the
opportunity to meet and overcome
challenges.
 THEME 6: CHALLENGES
(CONT’D)

Supporting Data:
• I take chances in order to succeed (LSPN)
• I work well when I am balancing many things (LSPN)
• I use my passion for challenges to find motivation (LSPN)
• I am motivated by hearing what is possible and demotivated by
hearing what is wrong (LSPN)
• Obstacles are an exciting challenge not a demotivating factor (LSPN)
• Challenging environments motivate me (3Q)
• I value finding success in new ventures (DD)
• I place a high value on variety in the workplace (WV)
• I value challenging work (WV)
• I seek out challenges and opportunities (WSP)
• I have a strong need to be challenged in my work (CA)
 THEME 6: CHALLENGES
(CONT’D)

Contradictory Evidence
• I did not find contradictory evidence in this area. I believe
this is an area that requires clear lines to be drawn. Either
one has a strong work ethic or a weak work ethic. I would
not expect to find contradictory evidence in this area
unless it was not a major theme.
 THEME 6: CHALLENGES
(CONT’D)

Reflection & Life Impact

• I was surprised at how the theme of overcoming
challenges kept creeping into virtually every exercise I
engaged in. Analyzing the data from different sources
gave me confidence in continuing to take chances when
working to meet and overcome challenges. In thinking
back over my life, I was reminded of the satisfaction I have
gained from being faced with seemingly insurmountable
challenges and finding ways to resolve them. I believe a
key to joy and fulfillment will need to incorporate a form of
challenge and overcoming it will result in great
satisfaction.
 THEME 7: LEADERSHIP

Theme Statement:
I feel most comfortable in leadership positions where
I can build teams and help others reach both
personal and professional goals.
 THEME 7: LEADERSHIP
(CONT’D)

Supporting Data:
• High interest in driving organizational goals (CI)
• I have encouraged by others to pursue leadership opportunities
(LSPN)
• I have been effective in the leadership roles I have been placed
into. (LSPN)
• I prefer organizational and management work much more than
task or project work (WSP)
• I prefer influencing outcomes (WSP)
• I enjoy making strategic decisions (WSP)
• I enjoy assessing and influencing work culture (WSP)
• I am a dynamic force behind influencing new endeavors (WSP)
• I have a personality characterized by dominance and influence
(WSP)
 THEME 7: LEADERSHIP
(CONT’D)

Contradictory Evidence
• Not confident in scientific analysis (SC)
• Not confident in science and math skills (SC)
• Not confident in art, music and writing skills (SC)
• Not confident in creating art with physical, human or verbal materials (SC)

*Lack of confidence in some of these areas may cause me to steer away from
leadership in organizations with these necessary skill sets. However, leadership is
focused less on the confidence in skills and more on developing people and driving
organizational goals.
 THEME 7: LEADERSHIP
(CONT’D)

Reflection & Life Impact

• Leadership can have broad applications and yet can be difficult to
define at times. I have been placed in many positions of leadership
over the years, but I would not say I have always been an effective
or accomplished leader. To be effective, a leader must be clear on
their intent, invest in the people they lead and be effective at
driving teams toward a common purpose. I have much to learn but
know that I will strive to be better at leading others in both my
personal and professional life.
 THEME 8: SERVICE

Theme Statement:
Giving to and serving others must be
considered in every part of my life.
Fulfillment will not happen without taking
the gifts I have been given and using
them to care for others.
 THEME 8: SERVICE
(CONT’D)

Supporting Data:
• It is important that I find ways to attend to the needs
of others (LSPN)
• I was taught that a portion of what we have should
always be set aside to give to others. (LSPN)
• I find personal satisfaction in adding value to others.
(LSPN)
• I find joy by solving problems that help others (3Q)
• I am attracted to dedication to a cause (CA)
• I care deeply about servicing others. (CA)
 THEME 8: SERVICE
(CONT’D)

Contradictory Evidence
• I did not find contradictory evidence in this area. I believe
this is an area that requires clear lines to be drawn. Either
one has a strong work ethic or a weak work ethic. I would
not expect to find contradictory evidence in this area
unless it was not a major theme.
 THEME 8: SERVICE
(CONT’D)

Reflection & Life Impact

• From a young age I was instilled with the value of caring for
and sharing what I have with others in need. However,
when we understand need, it is not necessarily the same as
needy. We are all in need and have all been the
beneficiary of someone who saw a way to add value to us
and invested some of their time, energy, money or
knowledge into us because they saw a way to make our
lives better. I see service in the same way. I will budget my
resources to allow myself to always have something
available to a need.
 THEME 9: OBSTACLES

Theme Statement:
Obstacles that get in my path toward achieving
personal or professional goals become motivators
which drive me to create multiple pathways to end
points.
 THEME 9: OBSTACLES
(CONT’D)

Supporting Data:
• Solves problems using structured solutions (LSPN)
• Uncertainty drives me to achieve results (LSPN)
• I overcome financial instability with drive and work ethic (LSPN)
• Performance and work help me overcome deficiencies (LSPN)
• I am innovative in my approach to solving problems (LSPN)
• I think not in terms of “if” but “how”. (CA)
• Obstacles are an exciting challenge not a demotivating factor
(DISC)
 THEME 9: OBSTACLES
(CONT’D)

Contradictory Evidence
• I get intimidated by others but do not let it stop me from achieving
goals (LSPN)

* Feeling intimidated has historically been a challenge to overcoming

obstacles. However, in recent years these feelings have been a
motivation to work harder to overcome obstacles that stand in the
way of achievement.
 THEME 9: OBSTACLES
(CONT’D)

• Reflection & Life Impact

• Anything slowing down or asking us to find a new route to where
we are going represents an opportunity to rethink, innovate and
reinforce the determination to find a way to the destination. I have
found that over time, obstacles have become something that does
not discourage me but instead motivates me to push forward. The
ability to find a way through around or over obstacles is what
separates the driven from the less motivated. Obstacles are also an
opportunity to use creativity and innovation to find new paths
forward.
THEME 10: COMMUNICATION

Theme Statement:
Communication is a fundamental trait of
an effective leader. I have had success in
communicating professionally and
personally and would like to continue to
develop this skill by being a better listener
and working harder to understand those I
interact with.
 THEME 10: COMMUNICATION
(CONT’D)
Supporting Data:
• Communication is a professional strength. (LSPN)
• I have found that I am effective speaking in front of groups
(LSPN)
• I have found success in developing interpersonal
communication at work (LSPN)
• I enjoy sharing my experiences with new members within my
organization (LSPN)
• I aspire to communicate in a way that is influential and
always considers the others I am communicating with. (DD)
• I find joy in public speaking (3Q)
• I have been told I am effective at communicating in large
group as well as small group settings. (3Q)
THEME 10: COMMUNICATION
(CONT’D)

Contradictory Evidence
• I know there are areas I am constantly developing,
and I have a desire to be a better communicator.
(DD)

* My desire to develop my communication skills are do

not reduce the impact that I have as a communicator.
However, it identifies that this is a skill that will always
have room for development.
 THEME 10: COMMUNICATION
(CONT’D)

Reflection & Life Impact

• For some, the thought of speaking in front of groups is a
daunting task. For me, I have learned to enjoy the process
of listening, crafting a message tailored to a specific
audience and then delivering a message in a way that
influences the listener. I have also been challenged to
understand the importance of effective interpersonal
communication in leadership. One area I have worked
hard to improve is in listening for understanding.
Understanding those I am talking to shows empathy,
communicates value and is the best way to learn by
seeing the world from someone else’s perspective. I have
found success in communication yet will work to
continually grow in this area.
 MY PERSONAL VISION STATEMENT

“I will live my life striving to align and support my priorities so that my greatest
passions get my greatest efforts. I will embrace challenges to create a life that
forms a legacy of helping those I intersect with to be the best version of
themselves.”
 MY PERSONAL VISION STATEMENT
(CONT’D)

Reflection:
To develop my vision statement, I listed my theme topics and worked to
incorporate as many as I could into a picture of the future I would like to build.
I reworked statements until they not only incorporated my findings from this
project but represented my feelings toward life. I wrote as if I was looking into
the future at what I hoped someone may say about my life. This may have
been one of the most rewarding parts of this project in that it forced me to put
all the life themes together in a way that paints a picture of the life I hope to
create.
 MY PERSONAL MISSION
STATEMENT

I will commit to learn daily, have an attitude of joy and give

my best effort into everything I do so I may feel fulfilled in
knowing I lived my best life.
 CONCLUSION
The process of looking at myself through an analytical process forced me to
see myself not as I want to see, but what my decisions create. This data-
driven approach removed much of the emotion and bias and brought me
face-to-face with not only my strengths but also my weaknesses.
I was able to see areas that conflicted with my own values and ways in
which my stated priorities were not in line with how I use my energy. This
humbling process brought focus to not only the direction of my life but how I
should invest in the future. Knowing my strengths and passions allows me to
channel powerful personal resources into a meaningful direction.
I believe this focus can truly help me write the most impactful and joyful
chapters of my life. I am optimistic that the years to come will be my life best
lived!
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