For your consideration:
“The only thing that stands between you and your dream is the will to try and the belief that it is actually possible.”
– Joel Brown
Introduction
Honest self-reflection is a precursor to self-awareness and the starting point for our discussion of personal growth. To start to know yourself, you need to consider who you are and what’s important to you at this point in your life. This is the first of four exercises designed to encourage you to take the time to think about and identify your dreams, aspirations, motivations, and expectations. It may help you understand yourself better, figure out your goals, and make more informed decisions about your future. It may also help you to develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction in life.
Key Points to Remember:
- Be honest with yourself; there are no right or wrong answers, and no judgment is attached to your responses.
- Take your time with each prompt, thinking about what is important to you and why.
- As you work through each prompt, take a moment to record your thoughts. These reflections can serve as a valuable resource for developing self-awareness.
Dreams and Aspirations
Prompt #1:
Consider how your dreams define you. Is there a childhood dream that you still hold onto? Ask yourself, why is it important to me? How would it feel to make that dream come true, and what sacrifices would you need to make (if any) to get there?
Prompt #2:
Ask yourself, “What am I currently passionate about?, and “What activities/responsibilities give me the most energy and satisfaction?, Who or what do I aspire to be or to do?” Does your happiness depend on living the life or career of your dreams?
Prompt #3:
In the next 5 years, what specific achievement, title, or position must I accomplish, what impact must I have for my family, in my field of study, or in the world in general, that would represent the highest level of success and sense of self-fulfillment for me?
Prompt #4:
“What current skills, knowledge, or resources do I possess that will help me achieve this aspiration, and what key areas do I need to develop or acquire?” And, what is my plan to achieve those goals?
Up Next: Goals and Motivation
The next set of prompts, part two of the series, will ask you to identify and understand what motivates you to achieve goals you have set for yourself.
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