Know Yourself

Know Yourself Self-knowledge is the starting point on the journey of self-development. Self-knowledge gives us a window onto our potential.

It  indicates  where  our  strengths  lie,  what  things  we  are  naturally  good  at  and  how  we  might  combine  our natural  gifts  with  the  opportunities  around  us.  Here  are  some  of  the  main  ways  to  find  out  just  where  your  potential  lies.

Self-Research :  The starting point for  your  journey of self-development  is You,  the person in  the mirror. Looking at  yourself, your  strengths, likes and dislikes, preferences, and skills is an essential first step in your self-development plan. Here are some of the ways you can carry out your own self-research.

•look in the mirror and notice what you see

•journalise and diarise. Diaries are useful for recording events and your reactions to events.

•write down a dialogue with parts of yourself. If you have a fear, call it “Bill” and have a chat with him. He might give you insights into what really makes him happy and what makes him afraid.

•get feedback on your work and behaviour from colleagues and friends. For a balanced view ask your critics’

views as well.

•study your relationships and how they make you feel

•draw your life history to date and project it forward.

Self-Knowledge : Here are 3 self-research techniques that will give you an insight into what directions you should be following:

1.  Cluster Graphs. A Cluster Graph can show you who you like to be with and work with. It shows in a cluster all the people who are important in your life. By analysing the sort of people you are interested in, you can get a reflection of your own interests.

2.  Repertory Grids. A Repertory Grid records the way you handle key incidents in your daily life and so indicates the things you do with ease and those you find difficult.

3.  Life Charts. A Life Chart draws a line of your life to the present date charting the ups and downs. You can project it into the future to show where you want to go next.

Strengths In “Play to Your Strengths”, Donald Clifton and Paula Nelson suggest five ways we can discover our strengths.

1.  Listen for yearnings. Yearnings are often triggered when we see someone doing something we’d like to do or feel we could do better.

2.  Watch for satisfactions. When we get a glow of satisfaction from doing a job, even though we don’t know why, it’s likely to be a strength.

3.  Watch for rapid learning. A strength is characterised by initial rapid learning that continues for a lifetime.