The Courage of Self Awareness

"One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go."— Sheila Murray Bethel

Self-awareness is the first step in personal and professional success.

The following questions are taken from one of Windridge's earlier newsletters (2008). These questions are great for those moments of stuckness we all find ourselves in from time to time.

Ask yourself:
Where Am I?

What are my strengths and weaknesses?
What are my possibilities?
In what areas do I do my best work?
What are my preferences, values and priorities?

Where Do I Want to Go?

What do I want to change?
What do I want to keep the same?
What do I want to have happen?
In what time frame?

What Sacrifices are Required?

What special efforts or changes may be needed?
What am I willing to let go of in order to achieve my goals?
What conditions, beliefs or actions no longer serve me?

Personal Development Process

Create your vision of a desired, future condition (result).
Translate your vision into action – set specific goals that stretch you.
Be clear about what benefits you will gain in return for the effort expended toward your goals.
Take ownership of your goals – be committed.
Determine the critical steps, resources, timing and obstacles to achieve your goals.
Adjust your activities and / or behaviors to help you move toward meeting your goals.
Be flexible – develop alternative plans. Monitor and measure your progress.

Moving Forward:

Solicit feedback.
Hire a coach to help you identify and then clarify your action steps.
Take a behavioral assessment such as the Winslow Behavioral Assessment to gain a clearer understanding of your strengths and areas you might want/need to improve.
Contract with peers to follow up on your progress.
Compare your progress with your plan and target dates.

Developing self awareness is not an easy-weekend project, it is a lifelong assessment and re-assessment of one's commitments, dreams, strengths and weaknesses. And in the end "Well done is better than well said." — Benjamin Franklin
(Portions of post adapted from a leadership seminar at the University of Washington's Michael G. Foster School of Business.)

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