Self Assessment
We often reach a point in life where we stop, turn around, and assess where we are, and we often wonder how we got to this place. Having no clue about the steps we took and the path that led to our current position in life can be frustrating. Furthermore, it's easier for us to blame others and find a scapegoat for our current position and state in life. Often, we are quick to blame others, those closest to us, those who hurt us in the past, and those with whom we share our lives. This will only further complicate our condition, deepening our uncertainty and pain.
Our realization of being further in uncertainty automatically adds another shade of darkness to our already darkened clouds. After attempting everything and using up all our excuses, the only option left is to look ourselves in the mirror. Asking ourselves the tough questions, questions that we are scared to verbalize, questions that make us look away from the mirror, questions that make us uncomfortable. After all, it may have been comfort that led us to our current position. This is never an easy option, standing tall and bearing the weight of uncertainty, telling ourselves that we are responsible for everything and that there is no one else to blame but ourselves. However, yes, this is precisely what needs to be done: a thorough self-assessment, a moment of self-reflection.
Conducting a self-assessment can be difficult at first, as is starting anything new in life. A mentor once told me that when anything bad happens in my life, I should automatically take responsibility for it. At first, I was uncertain about this approach. I then took some time to study what exactly he was trying to convey. It was clear after a while. With the mentality of taking responsibility for everything that happens in one’s life, it automatically forces you to self-reflect and evaluate every single action, inaction, decision, and indecision. It forces you to examine your actions or inactions that may have contributed to the event that occurred or the current state in life. Through deliberate self-assessment, you can identify factors that may have contributed to it. This sense of responsibility is not a burden, but a source of empowerment, putting you in the driver's seat of your life.
Honesty, openness, commitment, responsibility, focus, patience, confidence, and a drive for growth are just a few of the qualities necessary to execute a productive self-assessment. One must be completely honest with oneself about what is right and what is wrong, with no sugarcoating things. One must dig up secrets and items that we may not want to think about to ensure a fair assessment. Commitment is significant because at the first sight of emotional or mental discomfort, we will want to give up and throw in the towel. We must remain committed to our growth, through both darkness and light. It will be easy to lose focus and shift our minds and thoughts to something else. This world is plagued with distractions, but we must understand that we are worth the hard work and dedication we put into it.
Keeping focus on the issue at hand and working it to completion is crucial for growth. Along with being focused, we must understand that through consistency, we will see results, and these results will not happen overnight. We must be patient in our endeavors. When the going gets tough and those around us, including ourselves, tell us that this is impossible, we must fight back and find a way to stay the course, somehow. Having a desire for change and growth is vital to our self-assessment. Some people in life are content with their situation; they have stopped growing and become complacent, their problems have become a part of their routine, and they have accepted their current life circumstances as inevitable.
Well! I’m here to tell you not to accept anything but the best for yourself and the life you live. You are special. God knew you even before you were conceived, and He has placed inside of you all that you need to succeed. He also has a purpose for you; it is up to us to sharpen the skills and abilities that God has placed in us. One of my philosophies is the “SEED Philosophy.” This philosophy is based on the idea that, just like a seed contains everything it needs to grow into a mighty tree and bring forth food or whatever it contributes to the world, we are created with everything we need to succeed already inside us. This is a journey of growth and success, with limitless potential.
It is up to us to nurture our seed, place it in the right environment for growth, and consistently water it. We water it with love, attention, trust, confidence, patience, commitment, honesty, joy, laughter, family, friends, and God. And watch it grow the way it was intended. We must be honest with ourselves, calling things as they are, being vigilant in our new walk, and ensuring that we don’t revert to where we came from. We must continue to move forward and upward, eliminating distractions, waste, and abuse, and filling our space with quality time, trust, love, and self-worth. Conduct a self-assessment daily, before making significant decisions such as changing careers, starting a new relationship, or making a major purchase, before speaking to ensure our words are kind and respectful, and at the end of the day to review where we could have done better, strategize, and plan for the next day.
Sometimes it's best to have someone to talk to, someone we can vent to, someone to listen to our concerns, and someone to keep us on our toes - someone to tell us when we're settling and not trying hard enough. This is where a mentor or coach can be invaluable. They can provide guidance, support, and a fresh perspective, helping you navigate the self-assessment process. You can use family, friends, or a life coach. Self-evaluation is a valuable form of self-investment that should be practiced regularly. Start today; don’t wait until we're stuck in darkness! Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Your Mission. Your Success!
Here are a few steps to note that can help you on your journey to successful self-assessment. Be honest in your reflection; what are you doing right and what are you doing wrong? Start a journal to help identify shortcomings. Evaluate your goals regularly: Are you on track, falling short, or are they still relevant? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Am I relying too heavily on my strengths while overlooking my shortcomings? Seek feedback from your friends and family, people you trust who won't steer you wrong. And finally, create an action plan, a plan to execute and get things done. Without taking action, we will only be a bunch of planners, without truly applying ourselves with intentional effort. Start today, don’t wait. Move!
By,
Coach Terrence Pinnock
Your Mission Coaching