Someone once said to me, “Think! There is so little competition.”

I fear that leaders don’t take time to think deeply about things as they once did. They are so busy and don’t carve out time for creative reflection. Dan Rockwell shares some very helpful ideas on reflection being a key ingredient in becoming the best leader God wants you to be.

Guest Post by Dan Rockwell

The path to your best self requires self-awareness. Self-awareness hinges on self-reflection.

Structured self-reflection – the path to your best self:

Make a long list of your talents, strengths, and aspirations. Think of things that make your eyes go bright.

Talents are, “recurring patterns of thought, feeling, or behavior that can be productively applied.” You’re born with talent. Strengths are “the ability to provide near-perfect performance in a specific activity.” (Gallop)

Recognize and develop your talents. Strengths occur when you invest time developing your talents. Self-awareness enables you to lean into your natural talents and maximize your strengths.

Don’t worry about getting your list of talents, strengths, and aspirations exactly right. Modify it as time passes. Set aside a few minutes and begin your list now. Revisit the list at least once a day for the next five days.

Live into your best self:

Reflect on the contributions you currently make when you bring your best self to family, customers, and colleagues. Explore the contributions you aspire to make based on your talents, strengths, and aspirations.

  1. Notice and linger in the things that make your soul come alive. When are you saying, “I can’t wait to do that again?”
  2. Notice what you don’t do well but would like to do better. Reflect on frustrations and disappointments. What skills would lower your frustrations?
  3. Notice and respect your impact on others. Describe what’s it’s like to sit across the table from you. Share your reflection on the way you think you show up with people on your team.

    Challenge:

    Practice self-reflection for a few minutes each day. Use pen and paper to record your observations.

    (This post is adapted from, The Vagrant, by Johan David Mann and myself.)

    What enables you to become your best self?

    What self-reflection practices do you recommend?

    Still curious:

    Overcoming Self-Defeating Behaviors

    Eye-opening Self-Reflection Questions for Leaders