Selflessness: Self Review
- personal995
- Jun 25, 2024
- 4 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 aspects of serving others align with my unique interests and passions?
Reflect on how you can leverage your personal interests and passions to serve others in meaningful ways. How can you align your service with activities that bring you joy and fulfillment?
2. How can I integrate my personal goals with my commitment to serving others?
Consider how your service to others can contribute to the achievement of your own personal and professional goals. How can you align your efforts in service with your broader aspirations?
3. In what ways can I utilize my unique skills and strengths to serve others effectively?
Evaluate how you can leverage your individual talents, strengths, and expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of others. How can you apply your skills in service to address specific needs and challenges?
4. What values do I prioritize in my service to others, and how do they align with my personal beliefs and principles?
Reflect on the core values that guide your actions and decisions in serving others. How can you ensure that your service is aligned with your deeply held beliefs and principles?
5. How do I adapt my approach to serving others to accommodate their unique needs and preferences?
Consider how you can tailor your service to meet the diverse needs, preferences, and circumstances of those you seek to serve. How can you ensure that your efforts are inclusive and respectful of individual differences?
6. In what ways can I collaborate with others to maximize the impact of my service while fostering mutual benefit?
Explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership with individuals and organizations that share your commitment to serving others. How can you work together to achieve shared goals and objectives?
7. What strategies can I implement to ensure that my service to others is sustainable and balanced with my own well-being?
Consider how you can maintain a healthy balance between serving others and taking care of yourself. How can you establish boundaries and practices that prevent burnout and promote your own well-being?
8. How do I cultivate gratitude and fulfillment in my service to others while honoring my own needs and aspirations?
Reflect on the moments of joy, connection, and fulfillment you experience through serving others. How can you cultivate gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive difference while ensuring that your own needs and aspirations are met?
9. What creative methods can I employ to address challenges and obstacles in serving others?
Brainstorm innovative solutions and approaches to overcome barriers and obstacles that may arise in your service efforts. How can you think outside the box to find new ways of meeting needs and creating impact?
10. How can I leverage technology and digital platforms to expand the reach and impact of my service?
Explore opportunities to utilize technology, social media, and digital platforms to connect with and engage a broader audience in your service initiatives. How can you leverage technology to scale your efforts and reach more people?
11. In what ways can I collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify the impact of my service?
Identify potential partners and collaborators within your community or field who share similar goals and values. How can you leverage collective resources and expertise to achieve greater impact together?
12. What systems and processes can I put in place to streamline and optimize my service delivery?
Evaluate your current workflows and operations to identify areas for improvement and efficiency. How can you streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary barriers to better serve those in need?
13. How can I build trust and credibility with those I serve to foster stronger relationships and partnerships?
Consider strategies for building trust and credibility with individuals and communities you serve. How can you demonstrate reliability, integrity, and transparency in your interactions?
14. What resources and support networks can I tap into to enhance my capacity for serving others effectively?
Explore opportunities for professional development, training, and mentorship to strengthen your skills and capabilities as a servant-leader. How can you leverage support networks and communities of practice to learn from others and share best practices?
15. How can I engage in ongoing self-reflection and evaluation to ensure that my service remains aligned with my values and goals?
Establish a regular practice of self-reflection and evaluation to assess the impact and effectiveness of your service efforts. How can you hold yourself accountable to your values and aspirations as you strive to serve others?
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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