Self-awareness is one of the fundamental components for becoming an authentic leader. It is the one thing that helps us to know who we are, what we want, our strengths and weaknesses so that we can grow and develop into our highest and best self. By delving into these questions, we find our passions and our purpose for living and working.
Living out my passion/purpose is what gets me to get out of bed and enables me to make another call, step, leap.
Becky J. Benes
It is this passion and/or purpose that pulls us forward and gives us the strength to keep on keeping on. One of the best ways to discover this passion is to begin with the end in mind. Ask yourself these questions:
1. At my death, how do I want to be remembered? What do I want family and friends to say? What legacy will I leave behind?
2. At my retirement, how do I want to be remembered? Who will be there celebrating this day? What impact did you make and for whom?
From these two vantage points continue the self-reflection by asking:
Do/did I like what I was doing?
Do I like what I am working toward?
Do I like the outcome?
Is there a different career or position I would have rather tried or achieved?
How are my relationships with family, friends, and co-workers? Are they were I want them to be?
Did I travel? Are there places you want to or wanted to visit?
What is left undone or postponed?
From this practice and by asking these questions from your future, you will discover what your true dreams and desires were/are. You will also find out what is most important to you. You’ll also find areas where you can improve and shift now.
I invite you to take some time answer these questions, consider where you are and where you want to be. Then begin the process of making adjustments and building a framework for your life. Once you have the frame work of your values and passion make a courageous plan. In so doing, you will experience more happiness and success.
