Annual Self-Assessment
I wanted to share a practice I learned in my early thirties and refined over the years.
This 2-part assessment improves self-knowledge and self-acceptance. Applying it yearly has been essential to my growth and greatly enriched my life. I encourage you to incorporate this into your life and inspire your loved ones to do the same.
- Start by picking a time of year when you can devote a few hours over several days to the process. Ideally, this time would be around the New Year holiday or your birthday, as these are natural times for reflection.
- Thoroughly assess yourself and your life now and where it is going.
- Avoid self-judgment; accept where you are and set goals for self-improvement when needed.
- Document your answers in an electronic or paper journal and review them at least every quarter during the year. Look back on prior assessments to gauge your growth.
PART 1
Self-Assessment:
- “Who am I?”
- “The qualities of my personality that most define me are…”
- “Who was I as a child?”
- “What are my strengths and talents?”
- “Where can I improve?”
Make sure to define yourself by who you are, not what you do in your career. A great way to differentiate who you are from what you do is to ask yourself, “Who am I without…” my kids, career, wealth, social status, house, reputation, etc.
Expand on the following statement:
Distinguish between who you are today and what you aspire to become.
PART 2
Assessment by Others:
Contrasting your self-evaluation with the views of those with whom you regularly interact is of equal or greater value. People who have known you from childhood are particularly valuable in this regard. It is important to assure them that you welcome constructive criticism and seek a candid appraisal to improve and grow.
A few questions you might ask:
- “How would you describe me?”
- “What impression do I leave?”
- “What changes would accelerate my growth?”
- “What positives or negatives about my personality have been constant since I was a child?”
This last question can be highly insightful. Consistent childhood behaviors and personality attributes that continue into adulthood highlight our defining personality characteristics, which are our greatest talents. However, when used to excess, they can cause repetitive life challenges.
Chapter 4 of The Potentialist: The Pursuit of Wisdom dives deeper into the benefits of this “Who Am I?” practice.
Remember, the key to success is to commit to this project wholeheartedly and not quickly dash off the first thoughts that come into your head. Approached seriously, this annual self-evaluation can change your life. It has mine.
