Foundations
What can you actually control?
Perspective
- How you focus attention — the inner loop
- Which mindset you choose — the archetype that matches context
Wherever you are in the game, use these questions to gain perspective of reality and opportunities.
| # | Question | Priorities | Work Ons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Why does this matter? | Purpose | Clarity of purpose |
| 2 | What truths guide you? | Principles | Decision filters |
| 3 | What assets can you use? | Platform | Your leverage |
| 4 | What standards can you keep? | Protocols | Repeatable success |
| 5 | Are you going in the right direction? | Performance | Proof of progress |
Everything else is coordination with forces outside your control.
Platform
Te Whare Tapa Whā: A wharenui with four walls and a foundation:
WAIRUA (Spirit)
┃
┌─────────┼─────────┐
│ │ │
HINENGARO ←───┼───→ WHĀNAU
(Mind) │ (Family)
│ │ │
└─────────┼─────────┘
┃
TINANA (Body)
┃
══════════════════════════════
WHENUA (Land)
| Te Reo | English | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Taha wairua | Spirit | Connection to purpose, meaning, identity |
| Taha hinengaro | Mind | Thoughts, feelings, emotional wellbeing |
| Taha tinana | Body | Physical health, action, presence |
| Taha whānau | Family | Relationships, belonging, social support |
| Whenua | Land | Place, environment, foundation of identity |
If one wall weakens, the whole house is affected. Same pattern, different lenses.
The Two Loops
Inner loop (what you control):
PERCEIVE → QUESTION → DECIDE → ACT → REFLECT → loop
Outer loop (coordination):
CONNECT → COORDINATE → COLLABORATE → CREATE → COMPOUND → loop
Master the inner loop first. Then the outer loop multiplies your agency through coordination intelligence.
Where Are You?
| If This Is Weak... | The Signal | The Work |
|---|---|---|
| Principles | Decisions feel random | Clarify your non-negotiables |
| Protocols | Success doesn't compound | Codify what works |
| Performance | Activity without outcomes | Define proof of progress |
| Platform | Dependent on others | Build your leverage |
| Players | Isolated agency | Find your mastermind |
Alter Ego Mindset
Different contexts demand different modes. The archetypes are roles you step into:
| Mode | Activate When | Fights For |
|---|---|---|
| Dreamer | Possibility seems impossible | Vision |
| Coach | People need unlocking | Potential |
| Engineer | Vision needs a path | Feasibility |
| Realist | Stories need grounding | Truth |
| Philosopher | Direction feels wrong | Meaning |
The only control you have is choosing which mode to enter. Choose well.
Context
- Thought Audit — The diagnostic
- The Game — The two loops
- Players — Coordination intelligence
- Archetypes — The modes you access
- Third Space — Where coordination happens
- Health — Taha tinana