Self: Self Review
- personal995
- May 30, 2024
- 5 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 are my core values and principles?
Reflect on the fundamental values that guide your decisions and actions. Are you aligning your life and work with these principles?
2. What are my strengths and weaknesses?
Evaluate your personal and professional strengths, as well as areas for improvement. How can you leverage your strengths to enhance your work, and what steps can you take to address weaknesses?
3. How do I respond to challenges and setbacks?
Examine your reactions to difficulties. Do you view challenges as opportunities for growth, or do they overwhelm you? How can you cultivate a more resilient mindset?
4. What goals am I currently working towards?
Clarify your short-term and long-term goals. Are these goals aligned with your values and aspirations? How can you break them down into actionable steps?
5. Am I effectively managing my time and priorities?
Evaluate your time management and prioritize tasks. Are you allocating time to activities that align with your goals and values? What adjustments can enhance your productivity?
6. How do I handle stress and maintain well-being?
Reflect on your stress management practices. Are you incorporating self-care into your routine? What strategies can help you maintain physical and mental well-being?
7. Do I effectively communicate with myself?
Consider your internal dialogue. Are you practicing self-compassion and positive self-talk? How can you improve your communication with yourself during challenging situations?
8. Am I fostering positive relationships with others?
Reflect on your interpersonal connections. Are your relationships supportive and constructive? How can you contribute positively to the well-being of others around you?
9. What brings me a sense of fulfillment and purpose?
Explore activities that bring meaning to your life. Are you engaged in work that aligns with your sense of purpose? How can you incorporate more purpose-driven activities into your daily life?
10. How do I handle success and achievements?
Reflect on your reactions to success. Do you celebrate achievements, or do you quickly move on to the next goal? How can you acknowledge and appreciate your accomplishments?
11. What boundaries do I set for myself in various aspects of life?
Consider your personal and professional boundaries. Are you maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life? How can you establish and uphold boundaries that contribute to your well-being?
12. Am I open to feedback and constructive criticism?
Assess your receptivity to feedback. Are you open to learning from others, or do you feel defensive? How can you cultivate a mindset that values feedback as an opportunity for growth?
13. What role does gratitude play in my life?
Examine your practice of gratitude. How often do you express appreciation for the positive aspects of your life? What practices can help you cultivate a more grateful mindset?
14. How do I navigate uncertainty and change?
Reflect on your adaptability. How do you approach uncertainty and change? Are you resistant, or do you embrace new opportunities? What strategies can enhance your ability to navigate ambiguity?
15. Do I set realistic and achievable goals for myself?
Evaluate your goal-setting process. Are your goals challenging yet attainable? How can you refine your goal-setting approach to foster motivation and success?
16. What habits contribute positively to my well-being and productivity?
Identify your daily habits. Which habits positively impact your physical and mental health? How can you reinforce and build upon these habits for greater well-being and productivity?
17. How do I handle moments of self-doubt or insecurity?
Reflect on your response to self-doubt. Do you let it paralyze you, or do you use it as a catalyst for self-improvement? What self-compassionate practices can help you navigate moments of insecurity?
18. What role does self-care play in my routine?
Consider your self-care practices. How do you prioritize your well-being in your daily life? What additional self-care activities can you incorporate into your routine?
19. How do I define success in my personal and professional life?
Reflect on your definition of success. Is it aligned with your values, or are external factors influencing your perception? How can you reframe your understanding of success to align with your authentic self?
20. Am I mindful of the cyclical nature of challenges and successes?
Reflect on the cycles of challenges and successes in your life. Are you aware that difficult times are temporary, and successes may be followed by new challenges? How can an understanding of life's seasons contribute to a more balanced and resilient approach?
21. Do I allow myself sufficient time for rest and renewal?
Consider your approach to rest and rejuvenation. Are you allocating dedicated periods for relaxation and self-care? How can you create intentional breaks to recharge during busier seasons of work and life?
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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