Listen here.
Ouch.
I'm sure that title might have stung a bit for some of you -- and that's completely understandable -- because honestly, I felt it too.
A Year of Self-Evaluation
As we draw closer to the end of the year, I've been doing a lot of self-evaluation on all fronts. Just personally with myself and the things that I've accomplished this year, things I haven't accomplished, and just overall areas I need to improve on going forward.
With that, I have also been doing a lot of evaluation with my podcast, business, and socials as a whole.
Since I got laid off from a very time-intensive job back in May, I've been so glad I've had the time to invest not only in myself, but in all my endeavors and the things that matter most to me.
This started off with a simple rebrand of my business with the colors, fonts & logos. While that was all necessary, I don't think I took the proper time to dive into what it is my brand stands for, what I want it to truly represent, and how I plan to execute on that.
I think a lot of my ideas have been scattered, and many of them have been stuck in past ideas of what I thought I wanted my business and brand to represent.
The Evolution of Identity
Now, I first established my business almost 3 years ago. And as I'm sure you can imagine -- or maybe even relate to yourself -- I was in a very different place then, than I am now.
I think that's a big reason why this quote from Paulo Coelho really stood out to me.
A lot of this can also be related to staying within your comfort zone. It's always easy to stay in a place that you're familiar with. But at the same time, you have to take a few things into consideration:
- Has this place that you're in yielded you the results you've been looking for?
- Do you feel yourself growing into the person you're meant to be? Or do you usually end the day, week, or month feeling stuck?
- Are you fulfilled in what you're doing currently? Emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and financially? Or are you just getting by?
I want you to take some time and really answer those questions for yourself. If you find that there's some resistance in wanting to review those things, then it's more likely than not that it's time to make a change.
It's time to make a change and become the person you are and ultimately who you're meant to be.
Meeting Your Future Self
I think a common misconception here is that people may not know who it is that they're supposed to be or maybe even what they're meant to do.
And that's okay, I gotchu!
It's normal to feel uncertain stepping into a version of you that you haven't necessarily met yet. But I also think it's important to realize that version of you has been there the whole time -- you just haven't given them the room to exist.
Here's Where It Can Get Tricky
I think something I've been struggling with lately, especially with everything I've mentioned earlier, is that I have been trying to let my past self co-exist with my current self -- and that's just not possible.
Similar to a snake or a caterpillar, we must shed our old skin/old form in order to become new.
You can't create a new life off of old habits!
You must get yourself outside your comfort zone and implement habits that are aligned with this updated version of you.
Your Year-End Reflection
As we approach the New Year, there's really no better time to sit down and have an evaluation with yourself. Now I don't mean writing down goals or things you want to accomplish this upcoming year, but truly taking the time to look back at the year.
- What are some things that went really well for you?
- What are things that maybe didn't work?
- What are some things or habits that you want to eliminate?
- What are some habits, hobbies, or activities that you would like to start?
These are a few simple things you can look at and begin to change. Because while it's easier said than done to write down a big goal for next year, if you don't take the proper actions and set yourself up for success, it is highly unlikely and unrealistic that you'll be able to accomplish that goal.
I'm not saying you shouldn't be setting any goals, but I just really want to encourage you to figure out where you are before doing so.
You may be stuck in that version of you that you WERE. And as I know very well, that version of you is not going to be able to help you reach the future you's goals.
Tools For Transformation
If you are truly looking to shed that old skin and transform into the future you this upcoming year, I highly encourage you to get started with one of my Personal Development Workbooks. Depending on the specific area you've realized you need to improve in, there are a few different options for you:
- Personal Values Assessment Tool
- Public Speaking Confidence Workbook
- Emotional Intelligence Workbook
- Gratitude Practice Workbook
Each of these workbooks has practical exercises and also further explanations of how these different areas help improve your life. And even if you feel like you may not be in a season where you need one of these yourself, I'm sure there is someone you know who could benefit from the ideas and practices within each workbook. Share this with them, or even give them as a gift this holiday season to ensure they can set themselves up for success in the New Year.
Your Call To Action
It's so important to evaluate where you're at throughout different stages of your life. So if you haven't done so lately, this is your sign to take the time today!
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