People do not like to think. If one thinks, one must reach conclusions. ~ Helen Keller
I’ve got another exercise for you that should help you get to know yourself a little better. It isn’t intended to be difficult but rather to provide a way for you to take stake of yourself. Only when you know who you are can you be at peace with yourself. Ready?
Exercise: Getting to Know Me
How to do this exercise:
Put together an “I” list of your personal characteristics, with each statement beginning with the word “I.”
A way to begin is to imagine that you are helping others get to know you better. Please complete this exercise so that we can fully understand who the “I” (which is you) is.
Come up with a minimum of 10 such “I” statements. Your list might include one or more of the following statements, plus others (but don’t use this list as your own, it’s only a guide). Try to come up with statements that are uniquely yours. But here are some samples:
§ I have good communication in business.
§ I get upset easily when I feel misunderstood.
§ I hold grudges.
§ I have a great sense of humor.
§ I am compassionate.
Here are the “I” statements from a woman I’ve worked with, Terri Sinclair. They provide a good idea of who Terri is as a person.
I value diversity.
I am curious.
I am innovative.
I am accepting.
I am a recovering “sarcasmaholic”.
I work to inspire others.
I love my husband.
I am responsible for my perceptions.
I am the result of my choices.
I am whole, perfect, and complete just as I am.
So, you can see that as she listed her “I” points, she also came to realize something about herself.
Take a piece of paper, or your journal, and begin.
And tell me, what are you finding about yourself? Tell me the most surprising “I” you’ve uncovered in your self-assessment exercise. I’d love to hear it – and I’d love to hear from you.
Photo provided by Michael Albany Photography
