Self-Reflection May Be Your Stumbling Block
Assessment is one of the most fundamental ways we seek to understand gaps. It is important for the speaker at the conference, the trainer helping to develop the team, and the coach who helps you change. Self-reflection, a form of assessment, may also be your biggest stumbling block.
Social Anxieties
Do you enjoy browsing on social networks? Why does it interest you? Do you engage, or quietly observe? Do you stalk, secretly looking to see what others are doing?
What do you find attractive about shopping? Whether it is online or in a brick and mortar store?
What are some of your favorite movies? What television series attracts your attention?
Why does the song or music resonate with you? What makes you feel it, helps you escape, or excites your emotions?
The answer to nearly all these questions has something to do with you. Individuals are striving to understand, feel, or compare. Their vision, thoughts, and feelings are a vicarious trip to the future, or an opportunity to relive the past.
When we look at the old yearbook photo, we seek first to find our own reflection. What were we wearing, how did we look? Too skinny, too fat, or why did we choose those clothes?
Why do so many selfies get adjusted? Add some dog ears, and a cute little nose.
All of this is not about everyone. It is however about someone. It is about you.
Self-Reflection
Self-reflection will always condition what happens next. It will condition your choice to spring into action or to fall back, hide, or regroup.
People are attracted to social networks because they are finding themselves. They may seek to find sympathy, regret, or someone to share in their sorrow. Maybe things aren’t that bad, or maybe they want appreciation for being the victim.
Other times they seek the energy, the excitement, the happiness, and the possibilities. They relive the best and think fondly of the past.
One truth about self-reflection, it is the thought we have right before what we become next.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
