“I yam what I yam and that’s all that I yam,” said Popeye in every episode of the iconic comic strip of the same name. It appeared that Popeye had healthy self-esteem and a clear image of who he was and his place in the world.

So, who are you? If you said CEO, business owner, Sr. Vice President, of another title-oriented label, you’re missing the point. You are so much more than your title or even your role at home. More importantly, who you are is not a static state that remains consistent over time. You are evolving, changing, adapting, even if you are not consciously choosing that direction. If you are not actively making this choice, now is the time to start.

In an executive coaching session with a business leader on Monday, I offered some “homework” that is perfect for those wanting to define their next evolution as a person. Pick a future point in time and describe, in writing, what it will look like when you are being the leader and person you want to be. What are you be thinking, saying, doing? Who are you being? For many, that last one, being, is most difficult. Try this – describe what will be different or better about who you are as a person.

Having given this assignment to hundreds of leaders over the past decade, those that wrote this, read it daily, and backed it up with action all had the same experience. The descriptions they wrote became their new set of improved circumstances. And why wouldn’t they? We are amazingly powerful, us human critters. When we set powerful goals, which is the essence of this exercise, and back them up with supporting actions, we are capable of accomplishing amazing things.

So, decide who you really want to evolve into next. That’s so much better than just waiting for something good to happen.