The One-Minute Test

“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.” Barbara Bush

Ask someone who knows you to take a simple one-minute test where the objective is to chronicle in writing five or more words that best define the subject you will provide.

Providing the tools of a 3 X 5 notecard and pen (that writes), ask them to be seated for this 60-second quiz. Before telling them what you want described, repeat the five rules of the brief test:

1. Test will be timed – lasting only 60 seconds
2. Use one word descriptions (adjectives or nouns)
3. Be honest
4. Be accurate
5. Aim for at least five descriptions

Give these instructions to the test-taker: “You have 60 seconds to write down a description of me (the test proctor). Go.” Stop them at the end of one minute.  Now, tell them you are going to give them another 60-second test.  Same rules apply – use one word descriptions. Be honest and accurate.

Say this to your test-taker: “You have 60 seconds to identify with one-word what you perceive as opportunities for me in the future. Go.” Stop them at the end of 60 seconds.

Before engaging anyone in these brief quizzes, be sure to answer both questions for yourself. You need to know what you think so that you can compare your answers to others.

What you do with the results of these quick tests is in your hands. You have options. You can have a discussion session on what the test-taker wrote and why. You could show them your own list and have a discussion on what matched and what was not comparable.

This is exactly what happened with my wife, Carol, and me. In fact, after I did the test and we had a short discussion, she liked this experience so much, she wanted to do more tests with her as the person being appraised.  This also led to more discussions. We both loved the outcome of this effort!  In addition, our two daughters participated in the test, answering questions specific to me.

These simple, yet helpful, tests gave me some direction, and to this day, I carry with me some things I learned through the process.

Undoubtedly, there is some degree of potential risk in doing this, as there always is in honest communication with others. And, there is always the chance that we will see things differently. Perceptions are always the reality of the person perceiving (the test-taker).  Truth is often hard to uncover. Truth is also sometimes hard to hear.

Discovering similarities between my self-appraisal and how others perceived me, I found more matches in the early items on the comparative lists than in the latter. I also found some unique observations on the subject of opportunities. What does all this mean? I am not sure. But, you are free at this point to draw your own conclusions.

Here are questions that may arise out of your project:

1. What about items I listed that others did not?
2. Are these descriptions of me no one else knows?
3. Is it possible that I need to work more on developing these areas? Even though a perpetual work in progress and one of my strengths, perhaps I just need to get the word out.
4. What does it mean if a person with whom I have a relationship does not know something about me that I believe is relevant and important?
5. What was surprising to me? What will I do with this surprise?
6. What do I find reassuring?
7. How can I increase areas of strength and passion that can raise my level of success?

One important purpose in providing this newsletter is to help others in their pursuit of successful endeavors. And success is being and becoming the best at what you are meant to be and do in life. You have to know – deep within your heart – the areas in which you excel; regions of strength where you perform the best.  In addition, you, above all else must know your passion — what you most love doing.

Simply stated, the intersection of your strengths and passions likely reveal what you are meant to do with your life. Are you doing this right now? Are you doing it at an exceptional level? You were created to be the best at something. Are you doing this?

If success is your main goal – becoming the best at what you were created and always meant to be, then how are you doing? Does anyone know you at the deepest level possible? Do they know who you want to be? Can anyone help you to achieve this purpose?  What work do you need to do?

These two 60-second tests take such little time. The subsequent discussion will take a little more time, but that is where the real gold lies. Dig in there and expect to have some moments of revelation on important areas of your life.

Today, I will take a test . . .

I will give a test . . .

I will discuss the results.