The most successful entrepreneurs I know use one page focus plans.

I've written previously about the importance of a one page plan and the basic elements that fill the page. They're valuable because they're simple. But they can be intimidating to write because making something simple is hard.

The first step in creating a one page focus plan is in defining your core values.

The easiest way to discover your core values is to imitate others.

It may sound phony, but you'll quickly realize that your core values are being lived out by the brands and people you admire.

Think of the brands that you admire, the ones you love to buy from or hope to buy from one day.

1. Make a list of character qualities of those people.

Now think of the people you've enjoyed working with or the people in your life that you really admire.

2. Make a list of the character qualities of those people.

You now have two lists of attributes that you appreciate and admire. Somewhere in there are your core values.

Discovering your core values is now a matter of editing your lists.

• Draw a circle around the ones that jump off the page to you
• Draw a line through the ones that don't
• Combine the ones that are similar into single words or phrases

Here's your short list of options for your core values. Read through these remaining ones and ask yourself if something is missing. If it's missing, add it.

The goal is to end up with no more than eight words or phrases that make up your core values. Any more than eight and you'll have a hard time recalling them from memory.

Congratulations, you've just discovered your core values.

The core values are the first step in creating a one page focus plan because they act as the filter that your entire business runs through.

Each step in the process of creating a one page focus plan becomes easier once you have a set of core values to guide you.

*This process of discovering your core values is defined in more detail in the book Traction by Gino Wickman. I highly recommend reading this book if you are an entrepreneur.