What are defining moments? These are inflection points (a term in calculus) in our life, which are game changing, destiny, character changing that happened in our life that helped clarify/define our real purpose/vocation/mission in life (or simply, who you really are - the real authentic you) These could be positive or negative but rarely ordinary or neutral. After reviewing some of the previous submissions especially the late ones, I found out that this term must be clarified. (Well, somewhere in the article, these could be also simple moments who define who you are.) Thus defining moments could be few and far in between.
The reflection paper 1 could be extra ordinary critical moments in our life, the reflection paper 2 is about ordinary events/moments in our lives
In Intel, Andrew Grove called them SIP ( Strategic Inflection Points) as when they decided they will migrate from making microchips to microprocessors only. Thus the 2086 and until Pentium were developed. The events outside could mean the demise of an organization or its rebirth from the valley of death
Here is full excerpt from a a website
From Real Purpose Org. site
What Are Defining Moments?
What is a defining moment?
Here’s some words to describe a defining moment:
- life-changing events
- milestones
- insights
- critical choices
- crisis points
- unchangeable actions
- personal definitions
- opportunities
- misfortunes
- pivot points
You can see by the above words that “change” almost always occurs in these instances.
Defining moments usually happen very quickly, sometimes in the blinking of an eye.
Defining moments can easily be marked on your calendar
They are unalterable. They are memorable and you’ll usually remember the exact date and sometimes the exact hour that your defining moment occurred.
Our choices help define these events.
They are either negative or positive but rarely neutral.
Negative moments can come as a result of weather, other people, catastrophic or unforcasted events such as a hurricane, a school shooting or even an unplanned pregnancy
Positive moments can happen quickly or come about after much planning and preparation such as a graduation or winning an olympic event after much training. They may come from a new job or a simple promotion or they may be the result of a complete career change.
Here’s a few more definitions of a defining moment:
- a memorable, life changing decision, event, or action that alters the course of our life (my definition)
- simple moments that define who we are
- Dictionary.com – An event that typifies or determines all subsequent related occurrences
- What does defining moments mean? An event, action, or decision that results in a significant change for a person, institution, community, country or the world. (Wiki Answers)
Here’s a thought you may not have realized…
This website is about real life purpose. Bookmark it now and sign up for free email updates about how to find your purpose in life. While it may not necessarily be a defining moment in your life it could be a very important step to being fulfilled and finding your niche in life.
Thank you very much Prof for sharing with us more perceptions on the meaning of defining moments. I am truly blessed that all the defining moments in my life, whether positive or negative, have geared me towards finding my real purpose in life. This leadership class allowed me to reflect in depth my defining moments and I believe more learnings from this class will lead me to new horizons in the distant future.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments Leader Suzette. The article was directed towards write ups which were about ordinary moments
DeleteOur first reflection paper is not only an assignment to be fulfilled but an eye opener for most of us. Its purpose is deeper than seeking a high mark for school but rather a realization that our life has purpose if we look deeper inside. I was truly inspired reading my classmates stories and yours prof because of the valuable, true and inspiring moments that motivated us to be better. And I agree with you sir that we need to spread these stories so that more people can learn as well. Now I understand the connection of self awareness then gearing up for team building. That we can do it better is we have others to help us. One of my co-activist before told me "Parang ang walis tingting po, mas madaling magwalis kong buo, hindi kaya nang isang tingting lang. Madaling putulin ang isang tingting pero pag pinagbigkis ang mga tingting mahirap putulin".
ReplyDeleteThank you Prof.Jorge!
Your welcome Leader Anne. Leadership is about sharing stories which we pass on to the next generation
DeleteHi Prof! Thanks a lot for sharing with us more thoughts and ideas about defining moments. You have helped us to be aware of ourselves (self-awareness) which is the leadership model foundation of the Jesuits. After writing my defining moments, I became aware of its importance. It is similar to the spiritual exercises that the Jesuits developed and promoted which has been discussed in Chapter 6 of our book, Heroic Leadership. All of the reflection paper and the activities that we have done and are currently doing boil down to one thing -self awareness. Thanks Prof for helping us realize and appreciate all of these. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteThis page is a good reference for my upcoming papers and AVP. thank you for providing the page professor. Indeed, defining moments are negative and positive things that forged us to what we are today.
ReplyDeleteMark