At one time or another, all of us have dreamed of becoming a heroine, a celebrity or someone else who stands out above the crowd.
And yet, if we were honest with ourselves, we are often reactors rather than actors in our own lives. That happens when life seems like a runaway train we are scrambling to catch. Too often, we try to live our lives with far too little information about how the game of life really works.
Think about this fact: Most things in life come with detailed instructions. Pages of instructions. Yet, the thing that matters most to us, life itself, doesn't have one instruction manual. We have to discover the way to live our lives for ourselves!
The first part of the discovery process is to learn about who we are. We need to become the Lewis and Clark of our own personal territory, discovering our signature talents/strengths, weaknesses, triggers, motivations, tendencies, skills, goals, hopes, wishes, expectations, and themes.
Early in our lives, we understand that we have a personality unique from everyone else's. Later, we'll understand that personalities are shaped by our genetics, our personal life experiences, and the manner in which we interpret those experiences. Life is one long succession of learning experiences--and too often we have to endure the same lesson over and over again before we learn it by heart.
An old saying points out, "If we don't learn the lessons that life sends our way, they will simply dress up in different clothes and march right back into our lives."
An important aspect of self-discovery occurs when we recognize that individuals are all different, that each of us sees the world through our unique lenses. This is the perspective from the inside looking out.
The second part of the discovery process pulls us outside ourselves and into the experiences of others, which will enrich our lives incalculably. We can amass a great wealth in lifetime experiences by learning from others.
Once you've started the process of self-discovery, look for input. Ask questions. Search for feedback. There are countless resources at our fingertips: professional organizations, community education classes, local colleges, libraries, books, professional journals, networking groups, individuals, alumni outreach offices, executive coaches, friends, and many more.
Life is about learning to know and understand one's self, and it is the most motivating and inspiring quest in the world.
Women, Know Thyself: The most important knowledge is self-knowledge.
If your brain tells you that you're not focusing on those things that really matter, then this book is for you. Reading it will help you understand and work with your unique inner compass.
Understanding who we are, how other people see us and knowing what is important to us is critical to our success. As you learn more about yourself, you will know best how to manage your time and life in a way that gives you peace, a sense of fulfillment and the strength to handle the challenges ahead.
Self-awareness facilitates change...and...sometimes, just being aware, allows the problem to solve us--rather than requiring us to solve the problem.
When Doing It All Won't Do: A Self-Coaching Guide for Career Women--Workbook Edition--Paperback
Women, Know Thyself: The most important knowledge is self-knowledge.
Everyone you meet these days is overworked and out of time.
