A Powerful Technique for Finding Yourself (Again)
Photo By: Ashley Campbell
Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
Dr. Seuss
It happens to the best of us.
We get busy, life happens.
Dreams are forgotten, careers discarded. Real life sets in.
Somewhere along the way, we feel like we have lost ourselves.
Maybe, like Adam Rico addresses, we lose interest in everything. Maybe we even lose hope (great post by Tom Dixon).
Maybe it is a bit more vague, and you just can’t quite put your finger on it. This can be even more dangerous.
So how do you find yourself?
Here is one way:
Start by asking the question:
When is the last time that I felt completely myself?
You may have to go back a long time, or it maybe only a few days ago. With that situation clearly in your mind, consider the following questions:
What
What were you doing at that moment? What about the moment made it special? What were the results of the situation?
When
What time of the day was this? Was there a particular day of the week that contributed to the outcome?
Where
Where were you physically located? Work, school, home, Starbucks? What was the environment like?
Who
Who were you with? Were you alone or with another individual, or perhaps a group of individuals?
How
How did this situation contribute to you feeling like yourself? What about the “What, When, Where, Who, and How” made the largest difference?
Take some time to reflect on the ingredients that worked together to produce that feeling of being your very best (chances are you were operating in your strengths).
Love it Jon! Doing a lot of “finding myself” lately as I’m in the middle of a career transition. Thanks for your insights.
Jeff – best wishes to you – enjoy the ride, and thanks for your comment!
Thanks for the mention, Jon! That post has continued to be my most popular. You are absolutely right – thinking about the last time you felt like you were truly yourself is the way to get back there.
Tom, do you also find the need to do this yourself every so often?
Sure do – which is why I have a personal mission statement that I update frequently.
For me, I think the biggest question is “Who?” I’ve gotten pretty good at avoiding activities and situations I don’t want to be in, and more often than not, the people I’m with make the moment more than the activity.
Great post Jon!
Thanks Ellory – the “who” can really make all the difference.
Knowing and staying focused on who we truly and uniquely are is so essential. Staying in our areas of passions, dreams, and strengths leads to feelings of significance and fulfillment. Great post Jon!
You are an amazing writer and an inspiration to others!