Knowledge: Self Review
- personal995
- Jun 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Introduction
Richard Feynman, the great physicist, once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
We need to check in with ourselves and keep ourselves honest. We all stray from our Values, Goals and The Path. That is normal, that is okay. What we do when we realise we have strayed is what matters.
The Socratic method is a form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. It is named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, who employed this method in his teaching.
In the Socratic method, instead of providing direct answers to questions, a person engages in a dialogue to explore and clarify their own (or others) thoughts and beliefs. This process involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying assumptions or contradictions.
When applied to the self, the Socratic method becomes a means of self-inquiry and reflection.
Process
In the tradition of the Socratic method, the below is a series of questions to consider when checking in with yourself as you progress:
Review each question one at a time. Are you being honest with yourself? Do you truly know your position and progress?
The Self Review Worksheet in The Workbook can be used to help document your thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward.
Based on your review, thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward:
Do you need to adjust your Models & Theories to course correct or move forward?
Do you have further Lessons to learn to adapt your approach?
Are there Tactics that could assist you to better handle specific scenarios?
Whatever the answers are you discover about yourself, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. What matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Self Review
1. What is my ultimate goal for knowledge accumulation?
Clarify your overarching objective to ensure your learning efforts align with your long-term aspirations.
2. How well-defined are my short-term and long-term learning objectives?
Evaluate the clarity and specificity of your goals to ensure they guide your learning effectively.
3. What strategies have proven most effective in my learning journey so far?
Reflect on the methods and techniques that have worked well for you, and consider how you can leverage them further.
4. In what ways have I sought diverse perspectives and alternative viewpoints?
Assess the breadth of your exposure to different ideas and perspectives within the field to enhance the richness of your understanding.
5. How do I handle setbacks and challenges in my learning process?
Reflect on your resilience and problem-solving skills, and identify areas for improvement in overcoming obstacles.
6. Am I actively seeking and incorporating feedback on my work?
Evaluate your openness to constructive criticism and your ability to use feedback as a tool for improvement.
7. To what extent am I applying what I've learned in practical situations?
Consider the real-world application of your knowledge and identify opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
8. How well do I manage my time and prioritize my learning activities?
Assess your time management skills and ensure that you are allocating sufficient time to different aspects of your learning.
9. What assumptions or biases might be limiting my perspective?
Challenge your own assumptions and biases, and actively seek out opportunities to broaden your understanding.
10. What questions or areas of uncertainty am I currently exploring?
Identify the gaps in your knowledge or areas of uncertainty, and develop a plan for further exploration and learning.
11. How do I balance depth and breadth in my learning?
Reflect on whether you are diving deeply into specific topics while maintaining a broad understanding of the field, finding an optimal balance.
12. In what ways do I engage with a community of learners or experts in the field?
Assess your level of engagement with peers, mentors, or online communities to exchange ideas, share insights, and gain collective knowledge.
13. What role does reflection play in my learning process?
Consider how regularly you pause to reflect on your learning experiences, identifying key takeaways and areas for refinement.
14. Do I actively seek out and embrace challenging concepts or topics?
Evaluate your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and tackle complex or difficult subjects that contribute to your intellectual growth.
15. How am I adapting my learning strategies based on evolving trends or developments in the field?
Assess your ability to stay current by adjusting your learning strategies in response to emerging trends, technologies, or research findings.
By posing these self-reflective questions you can deepen your awareness of your current position. In turn, enhancing the clarity and most important steps of your strategic approach moving forward.
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