(Reference Page 10 The Timely Entrepreneur’s Handbook) - Revised Publication 2021
Self Reflection Exercise for The Timely Entrepreneur
Write your Mantra at the very top of your journal before you begin this exercise. (Page 11)
It's easy for Entrepreneurs to get busy quickly, especially if they're running their own business while still at their day jobs.
Although we love to keep busy and accomplish and engage in new activities and opportunities continuously, we also believe that it is important to feel very connected to who we are as individual persons.
To make sure we keep the connection, we should consciously set aside time for self-reflection. Most people do this type of reflection at the end of the year. This is separate and apart from time taken for prayer or meditation. This time should be specifically focused on questions about your goals, your behaviour, and your general state of mind. It may sound 'offensive' to some, but we can't be of any good to other people unless we are first good to ourselves. So let’s try to set aside time every week to unplug from everyone and everything.
Go through the following questions. This exercise will help to make sure that you are in touch with the deep part of your soul so that you can be whole for both the people you care about, and your business.
You will need your journal. Remember no tablets or phone notes. Old school pen and paper. You can always go back to the questions that need further thought, so no need to stay stuck on any one.
Ask yourself:
1. Am I living up to my core values and personal mission?
Without your own personal guidelines you can end up anywhere. I personally keep my own set of rules and guidelines to guide me. Then, I can evaluate whether I am following them or assess how I have deviated.
2. Am I being a person others can respect?
It may, at times, be useful to think that your actions don't matter to others, but of course they do. We should practice showing more gratitude and appreciation wherever possible. Hopefully 2021 has given you an insight into how we must be considerate, humble, and kind to all others.
3. Am I taking care of my body the way I should?
The world gets busy and pretty soon we start neglecting our bodies. Before it becomes too late, make the time to adjust your schedule and make it a priority to live healthy. Eat well, Exercise, Rest.
4. Am I meeting the expectations I set for myself and for others around me?
Evaluate yourself regularly. Keep a journal and track your progress. Think about how often you say regretful things; repeat bad habits; make absent-minded decisions; and have erratic thoughts. Ask yourself at the end of each day, “Was today productive?” or “What did I do well today?” And, “How can I improve on this tomorrow?”
Review your behaviour and interactions with others to make sure you haven't led people astray. Try as much as possible to under promise and over deliver whenever the opportunity presents itself.
5. Am I really using my talents to my fullest potential?
Spend some time reflecting on how best you are using your talents to help others and to help yourself grow.
6. Am I responding well to situations?
Break visceral reactions. Self-awareness allows you to assess situations objectively and rationally, without acting on biases and stereotypes.
Take a deep breath before you act, especially when a situation triggers anger or frustration. This gives you time to re-assess whether your response will be the best one.
7. Am I giving my family and friends my most and my best?
You need to be selective about the people with whom you choose to spend time. Aim to make all your relationships, both at work and play, fun and meaningful.
8. Am I engaging in worthy activity?
Does what you do matter? Most people want to matter at the end of their lives. What are you doing in your business and in your life generally that is worthy?
9. Am I making a positive impact on the world?
There are choices every day that can impact the world in small ways. Learn, and voice opinions with an open mind.
10. Am I on the path to my preferred future?
Even if you don't have total control of your destiny, you can still guide your actions. Are you doing what matters? Are you making good decisions in your life? Are the choices you make both in business and life generally, wise ones?
Write and reflect. Purchase a journal and write in that journal every single day. Each day, first write down something positive that occurred on that very day. Next, write down a question for yourself. Don’t answer that question then and there. Reflect on that question and write your answer the next day as a part of your journal entry.
Self reflection involves tapping into your inner being and using that to figure out what it is you really want. In time, your reflections will enable you to achieve the success, the peace and the serenity you deserve.
HAPPY NEW YEAR ENTREPRENEURS!
May your year ahead be filled with positivity, prosperity & progression. We look forward to serving you more in 2022! All the very best to you and your business.
My Mantra, Your Mantra
My True Potential Will Be Revealed
