Write your own Bio to clarify your goals

An exercise

I have been struggling with my purpose in life, trying to figure out which direction to go in. I came up with this exercise to help myself hone in on what I think I’m about.

I wrote a bio.

If you’ve ever done a presentation at a conference or a workshop or seminar, the organizers ask for a bio. It’s something they can put in a program or they use to introduce you to the group. You have to write it and give it to them ahead of time. I had to do this a number of times throughout my career in the library and online learning world. I always struggled with this, but it is a good exercise to put your work into just a few sentences.

As I’m finding my way in the world now with no “employer” supporting me, I thought I’d try this exercise again.

My first attempt at this sounds pretty good — run-on sentence aside.

Catherine Delia is the principal consultant and Founder at Catherine Delia Consulting, an educational consulting practice focused on giving individuals and organizations the knowledge and training to help them succeed at their goals and help them personally accomplish great things.

Then I tried again, a less wordy option.

Catherine is passionate about growth through learning and experience, she helps people and organizations solve problems to achieve their goals.

But neither of these captured the things I am actually doing right now specifically. They are very esoteric and lofty-sounding. Right now, I am writing and doing training for the tech-challenged. Those things fit into the above bios, but if you wanted to hire me you wouldn't really have any idea of what I can do for you. So, I tried again.

Catherine Delia is a mentor, writer and teacher. She helps people hone their communication practices through technology training, content review, and business consulting.

This last one is closer. I have helped people with website training & consulting, cover letter and resume review, talking through job decisions, and other business issues. They all have something to do with communications. That realization that I am really a communicator and helping people communicate and articulate their views, thoughts, and services was an eye-opener for me.

I will continue to work on my bio. I am adding this to a regular journaling practice because I think we all need to know who we are and re-evaluate often.

Try writing your own Bio. I’d love to hear what you come up with.