Six months ago, when I was gearing up to start Second and Park, I picked up Howard Mann’s book Your Business Brickyard. It was a great read, and I took away a few key points (focus on what matters, always remember why I’m doing this thing) then.

I recently re-read the book as a refresher for a project Howard and I are working on together. Six months later, the lessons are even more salient.

The format of the book is true to its overall focus—getting back to basics and always doing something with what you learn. Here are two of my favorite practice drills:

Drill #1: Reconnect with your purpose

To understand and uncover your purpose properly is to first see it beyond its own borders. Take a moment to reflect and write about what your company is for. What higher belief is it expressing? Don’t think about what you do, but why you do it. Why do you get up every day? What do you like about your business, what it does and what it can do? How, in any small way, are you trying to change the world? Then consider what parts of that business your clients truly care about. Purpose will turn into profit at the point where what you believe and do best connects with what your market truly gives a damn about. An unbeatable combination.

Drill #2: Find your true story

Think of the last three to five clients you lost or the last few prospects that chose your competitor over you. Write down the reasons you told yourself and/or everyone else why you lost. Look for your false story.

Now write down the first action you can take. Turn those actions into initiatives in your business and real changes will occur in the culture and feel of your company. Quickly.