Strength: Self Review
- personal995
- May 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. How do I cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in my daily life and work?
Reflect on the intrinsic motivation and sense of purpose that drive your actions and decisions, and consider how you can infuse meaning into your endeavors.
2. What are my core values, and am I living in alignment with them?
Reflect on your fundamental beliefs and principles. Consider whether your actions and decisions are consistent with these values.
3. How do I respond to adversity and setbacks?
Explore your reactions to challenges and obstacles. Evaluate whether you approach adversity with resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.
4. Am I effectively managing stress and maintaining a sense of balance in my life?
Assess your stress levels and coping mechanisms. Determine whether you're prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and fostering work-life balance.
5. Do I seek out opportunities for growth and learning?
Consider your attitude towards learning and personal development. Evaluate whether you actively seek out new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
6. How do I cultivate and nurture my support network?
Reflect on the quality of your relationships and support system. Assess whether you're investing time and effort in fostering meaningful connections and seeking support when needed.
7. What strategies do I employ to maintain emotional regulation and well-being?
Explore your emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills. Consider whether you practice mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional resilience in navigating life's ups and downs.
8. Am I making deliberate choices and taking ownership of my decisions?
Evaluate your decision-making process and sense of agency. Assess whether you take responsibility for your choices and actively steer your life in alignment with your goals and values.
9. How do I handle uncertainty and ambiguity?
Reflect on your tolerance for uncertainty and willingness to embrace ambiguity. Consider whether you approach the unknown with curiosity, adaptability, and a sense of adventure.
10. What role does self-reflection play in my personal and professional growth?
Consider your practice of self-reflection and introspection. Assess whether you regularly set aside time for contemplation, journaling, and evaluating your experiences and lessons learned.
11. Am I contributing meaningfully to my community and the world around me?
Reflect on your sense of purpose and contribution. Evaluate whether you're making a positive impact through your actions, relationships, and endeavors, both personally and professionally.
12. What habits or routines support my physical and mental well-being?
Evaluate your daily habits and rituals related to nutrition, exercise, sleep, and relaxation, and assess their impact on your overall health and resilience.
13. In what ways do I challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone?
Reflect on your willingness to embrace discomfort and take calculated risks in pursuit of growth and learning, and consider the value of pushing your boundaries.
14. How do I maintain a sense of perspective and balance amidst life's ups and downs?
Assess your ability to maintain perspective during both favorable and challenging circumstances, and reflect on strategies for cultivating resilience and equanimity.
15. What role does gratitude play in my daily life and mindset?
Consider the extent to which you practice gratitude and appreciation for the people, experiences, and opportunities in your life, and reflect on its influence on your well-being.
16. In what ways do I leverage setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth?
Reflect on your mindset and response to failure or disappointment, and consider how you extract valuable lessons and insights from challenging experiences.
17. What strategies do I employ to maintain resilience and adaptability in times of change and uncertainty?
Evaluate your resilience-building practices and coping mechanisms for navigating transitions, crises, and periods of uncertainty, and consider their effectiveness in sustaining your well-being and effectiveness.
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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