A few years ago, an interviewer asked me a big question, “If people want to reach their full potential, where would they start?” That’s a great question!  I told him it’s critical to start with three things—knowing who you are, why you’re here, and what you want.

These three things will be the focus of my next three posts.  I want to share this with you because without solid grounding in these three things, it’s too easy to lose focus and get distracted by the next bright, shiny object. Then, your dreams die slowly. Your life gets off track.  You spend all of your time responding to other peoples’ needs and desires, because you’re not clear on your own.

And you’re left with the feeling that there’s got to be more to life than this.

Who The Heck Are You Really?

The place to begin is having deep knowledge of yourself— of who you are at the core of your being.  Not what society says you should be, not what the expectations of the people in your life say you should be—but who you really are. As a woman.  As a feisty woman.  As a very feisty woman.

Here are some questions to help you explore this a bit.

I’d suggest that you not just read through these, say, “Interesting”, and move on to your next task.  Take some quiet time and ask yourself these questions, one at a time. Spend a little bit of time reflecting on each one before you move to the next.

12 ½  Questions to Ponder

1. 1. 1. What is most important to me in my life?
      2. What are my deepest, most cherished values and how do I live them?
      3. What do I deeply enjoy doing?             3½.   What brings me the most joy?
      4. What have been the happiest moments in my life and why?
      5. What fulfills me and gives me great satisfaction?
      6. What makes me want to pump my fist up in the air and yell, “Yes!”?
      7. At what times does life feel the most juicy, and like I’m getting the most out of life?
      8. What part do relationships play in my life?
      9. What would I be doing with my life if money were no object?
      10. What gifts can I share with the world?
      11. What would I do if I knew that success was guaranteed and I would not fail?
      12. What do I want to be remembered for in my lifetime?

 

Go Deep!

If you want to take this even deeper, answer a question—then ask yourself, “Why is that important to me?”  Then take that answer, and ask “Why is that important to me?” Then take that answer, and ask “Why is that important to me?” Then take that answer, and ask “Why is that important to me?” You might be surprised where those answers take you. Use this process for each question.

Now What?

Once you know who you are, you’re one step closer to reaching your full potential. You know what’s important to you. You know what your priorities are. You know where you want to invest your time and energy.  And this gives you permission to say “no” to all the rest—to the potential distractions, to things that don’t support you, to things that don’t bring you closer to your goals.

In the comments section below, share who you are with us.  Tell us what you’ve discovered. What words describe you?  Can you choose three words, or a phrase, or a sentence or two?  Let your comment be a declaration and an affirmation of the awesome truth of who you are.  Let us cheer you on!

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