Who Am I

Answering this question is the first step. Knowing your strengths and your weaknesses. Learning your personality and how you react to your environment. This knowledge is essential for you to find proper direction and fulfill your calling. It can also help you develop strong, thriving relationships.

Knowing yourself is a conscious effort; you do it with intention and purpose. It will not happen by merely living your life. Many forty and fifty year olds I meet are amazed when they learn that they were made intentionally with a purpose.

Dan Miller states in his bestselling book, 48 Days to the Work You Love,” that looking inward is 85 percent of the process of finding proper direction. Finding proper direction includes evaluating how God has uniquely gifted you in (1) Skills and abilities, (2) personality traits and (3) values, dreams and passions.

Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:

• The D.I.S.C. Personality Profile. There’s no better way to start the process of self-evaluation than to get a summary on your personality style. You can choose between a Career or Sales Profile.
• Ask someone who will tell you the truth. One way is personal one on one coaching. Sometimes other people can see things that you cannot. Also, don’t ask mom. In most cases, she is biased.

Rick Warren asks on the cover of his best selling book, The Purpose Driven Life, “What on earth am I here for?” Are you asking yourself that question as we begin this new year? If so, consider a self-evaluation as a first step in your personal development plan for 2012.

“Observe all men; thy self most.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

“It is wisdom to know others;
It is enlightenment to know one’s self.” ~ Lao-Tzu (6th century B.C.)

Here’s to reaching your full potential in 2012.

Happy New Year!

Pierce