The Lion in the Mirror: Become Who You Truly Are With The 1-1-1 Method
Imagine a kitten gazing into a mirror and seeing a magnificent lion staring back. That’s the power of self-belief; that is the future you. The potential you glimpse in quiet moments, even if life feels chaotic.
The distance between where you are and where you want to be is often shorter than it seems. It’s easy to feel stuck: maybe your home feels messy, a relationship is strained, or an important personal goal remains untouched. Life doesn’t pause for us. While we’re busy with externally imposed ‘urgent’ things, our children grow, our gardens gather weeds, and our cherished dreams collect dust.
I’ve felt this deeply recently while starting my second book. Doubt crept in, whispering: that I wasn’t ready to start, it is not a good time, and what could I possible contribute? But I’ve learned that the key to progress is not waiting for the perfect time, it’s committing to action. You can also utilize this method, which I created and have used for many years myself. It helps with the big important goals. I have personally used it for my important goals like mindful parenting, finishing my Doctorate and completing my first book all with a busy life. I call it the 1-1-1 Method: One hour a day. $100 a month. One year of commitment.
Watch the Poster Come to Life
Click to Step Into the Story
One Hour a Day: First, give yourself time. Set aside a minimum of one hour. Yes, one hour a day just for you. This can be hard for some, as you may work extra jobs or have care giving responsibilities or heath issues. If it is difficult to allocate one whole hour at first, then start with whatever you can, but try to make it at the same time every day, and someplace where you will not be disturbed with other distractions. Protect it fiercely. Whether it’s writing, painting, exercising, or mindful parenting; make it sacred. Turn off distractions. Be present.
$100 a Month: Second, set aside resources and allow yourself to use them. Allow yourself to spend at least $100 USD per month on this goal. This could be in investments, it could be for an activity, gym membership, whatever resources help support you for that one hour a day. Just like with time, if you cannot find that in your budget start smaller and work your way up to $100, or more if you can.
One Year of Commitment: Third, commit for a year to start. Yes, a whole year. Pick your start date and proceed for a year. Commit to it, you deserve it. Show up every day, and if you miss days then change your plans so you can recommit to yourself. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. You deserve to see what happens when you don’t give up.
Your dreams don’t belong on a shelf. They belong in your life. Your potential to become that magnificent lion in the mirror, is already inside you.
So—what are you planning to start? What goal have you been putting off, that you want to achieve with your Compass Star?
About the Author
Dr. Cora Pettipas, CFP is an award-winning global financial strategist, bestselling author, and creator of the Compass Star PATH system. Through her writing, speaking, and financial planning work, she helps individuals build Passion, Abundance, Time, and Health into their lives.
Learn more about Dr. Cora Pettipas by clicking here.
Continue Your PATH Journey
The Lion in the Mirror is part of the Passion Pillar of the Compass Star PATH to True Wealth system (Passion, Abundance, Time, Health), which explores purpose, personal growth, self-belief, and becoming the best version of yourself.
You may also enjoy:
Most people think wealth is primarily about money. But money is not the end goal. It is only energy, valuable not for what it is, but for what it allows you to do, experience, and enjoy. Money exists to support life, not the other way around. The Compass Star PATH system challenges traditional assumptions by defining four interconnected dimensions of true wealth: Passion, Abundance, Time, and Health. Discover how financial decisions are ultimately life decisions supported by money, and why understanding what matters most is the foundation of building true wealth.
What dreams have you been saving for “someday” while life keeps you busy? Like Cinderella, many of us become so busy meeting expectations that we never make time to create the life we truly want. We tell ourselves we’ll pursue what matters most after the next promotion, milestone, or life event. Discover how paying yourself first, with both money and time, can help you nourish your passions, support your goals, and begin building your own happily ever after. The magic is in the preparation. Even miracles take a little time.
One of the greatest gifts of wealth is choice. Yet more choices can also bring more pressure, expectations, and “should dos.” Just because something is available to you, or considered the “best” by others, doesn’t mean it is the best choice for your life. Discover how discernment and the Compass Star system can help you navigate opportunities with confidence and stay true to what matters most. Because true wealth is having the freedom to choose your own path.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not personal financial advice.