Self-discovery, also known as self-awareness, precedes self-leadership. You cannot dominate, nor can you lead what you do not know. In the process of leading our lives we need to come to a complete understanding of ourselves. I read in a book somewhere that “know thyself” is the best and most profound advice ever given to mankind. You can overestimate your abilities or underestimate the power you possess when you don’t know yourself. It starts with self-discovery. No one will come up to you and say: hey, it’s time for you to discover yourself. It is a “do it yourself” job. I share some pearls on how you can get to know yourself.
Many “ordinary” men and women walk our streets every day and die unlived lives because they have never taken the time to discover who they really are inside. It’s time to discover the hidden talents, abilities and natural gifts. Everyone can be someone. Self-discovery begins with an honest self-assessment and audit. It’s about “knowing yourself”, who you are in essence, what you believe in and what motivates you. It’s not about who you pretend to be or who you think you are, but who you really are. You can fool others, but you cannot fool yourself. Nor is it about who others think and say you are. Many people live frustrated lives because they are trying to fit into a mold that they were never designed to fit. Self-discovery can be a lifelong journey for some, but it’s worth it. The sooner you begin to do this, the sooner you will begin to participate in an effective life.
Some people accept the reality that is given to them instead of creating their own reality. If you don’t know who your parents are, your school teacher, your village will give you an identity. If they can give it an identity, they can determine what it can and cannot do. Yes, they love you and mean well, but self-discovery is your personal responsibility. The biblical king David would have remained a shepherd boy all his life if he had given in to the wishes of his father and brothers, but he was destined to be king. Even if there is a king in you, you could not ascend the throne if you allow what others think of you to become too important.
I would have become an academic if I had followed through on my parents’ dream for me. I probably would have been successful at that, but there were multiple gifts and things I needed to discover for myself. I discovered that I have a desire to inspire others through writing, speaking, and singing when I did this exercise for myself. I also discovered that although my background was in sales and marketing, I had a passion and desire to develop and inspire others to reach their full potential; This article you are reading is one of the manifestations of that desire.
Maybe you are limiting who you are to what you do. You are not your job or whatever you do for a living. You can be more and do more. You might be one of those people who once read something and was inspired to “climb higher”, but life’s challenges happened and made you go back and back. Maybe you lost income, dropped out of school, lost motivation, cut back on your sleep, or just stopped dreaming. Don’t let circumstances and setbacks define you. Yes, you failed, but you are not a failure.
You may have been meaning to start developing a skill or reading good books. It’s not too late for you to start. I understand that the average CEO drinks at least fifty books in a year. That’s almost a book a week. He can too if he intends to get a head start in his career or business. Leaders are readers. In 2003 I discovered the power of reading, I drank twenty books in that season and have become an avid reader ever since. You don’t have to start with twenty, start with a few chapters a day. You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. The journey of fifty books a year begins with the first page, the chapter you decide to sit down and read. Don’t limit yourself to physical books, reading also includes listening to audiobooks, especially when you’re on the go.
I hope, in my own way, I have been able to put you on the path to discover your true self. You have the ability to take charge of your life and direct yourself. He will take the initiative; You owe it to yourself. It doesn’t matter how old or how old you are. This is a reminder that there is more for you. Find out and you’ll thank me.
Here are some questions you can use for self-audit. Feel free to add your own.
- What are my gifts and talents that I was born with?
- What would be my dream job if it was unlimited?
- What would you be doing right now if you didn’t have to win?
- What are your values, what is, what is important to you?
- What do I think I was born for?
I hope the above questions help you get on the path to becoming all that you are meant to be.