If you don’t see you…
You can’t be you…
And if you can’t be you…
You won’t free you…
So take time to see you
Because the world needs YOU.
The other day, a repairman came to fix my washing machine. When I greeted the repairman with a “How ya doing,” he quietly grumbled something like, “Uhh…I’m here aren’t I? Only a few more days until the weekend. Where’s the machine?” As we showed him to the laundry room, it was clear that he needed a repair more than the washing machine. The guy was physically there, but his soul seemed to be stuck somewhere else.
On the contrary, at my Uncle John Bonder’s funeral service last week, the speakers shared stories about Uncle John’s full approach to life. Uncle John beat to his own drum, embraced who he was, pursued careers and adventures that he loved, rocked his own unique style, created lasting memories, and then later embellished those memories in stories that have been passed down generations. Even though Uncle John is no longer physically with us, his soul and traditions are still very much alive. His life sparked a little extra life in everyone he touched. The stories about Uncle John reminded me of the quote “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive. And then go do that. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.*”
We all hope to enter 2024 full of life and purpose. The question is, what are we doing to make sure that happens? If you’re closing out 2023 feeling burned out, out of place, or on autopilot, how will you adjust to find your inner “Uncle John” before you concede to your inner “grumbling repairman?”
For me, the answer requires a little reflection. This time of year, I typically reflect on the moments/situations when I have felt most alive and felt at the top of my game. I think about how those highlights represent who I am when I’m at my best. Then, I look ahead at potential opportunities in the upcoming year to be that more often.
I recently spoke with high school students at a DECA business competition about this topic of self reflection. We walked through exercises (like the Ikigai graphic above) to create clarity and build confidence in who they are as they discover their values, interests, and gifts which can guide them through their next chapter post-graduation.
I shared how I deconstruct my strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, values and fears. I demonstrated how I map out the opportunities over the next 1, 3, and 5 years. I revealed my weekly personal scorecard where I self evaluate how I’m showing up for my family, friends, and clients. I showed how the process of writing more than 100 blog posts has helped me capture so many of these highlights and the lessons I’m learning in real-time.
I claimed that my consistent practice of personal reflection helps me make wiser choices, cultivate deeper relationships, provide better guidance, create more meaningful experiences, and most importantly feel more alive.
Then, I had them get started on their own journey.
As I attempted to inspire the DECA students’, one or two understandably rolled their eyes. But I did notice several of them excitedly responding to my prompts in their notebooks. And in that moment it was clear to me: helping people come alive is what makes me come alive.
I’m heading into 2024 loving the life that I live, the work that I do, the crew that I’m with, and the future that awaits.
But whether you are feeling like the washing machine repairman or you’ve got the spirit of Uncle John in you, I encourage you to give this reflection thing a try.
Because as we head into the fresh start of a new year:
If you don’t see you…
You can’t be you…
And if you can’t be you…
You won’t free you…
So take the time to see you
Because the world needs YOU.
Here’s a 10 question starter pack to see YOU better in 2024. Keep in mind, you’re the only one with the answer key:
- Describe 2 or 3 moments throughout your life when you were at your personal best?
- Describe 2 or 3 moments in the past year or two when you were feeling most engaged in the work you were doing/adventure you were pursuing.
- What unique roles have you tended to play in the groups/teams you’ve been a part of?
- What are the activities and concepts you naturally gravitate to more than others?
- If your family, friends, teammates, or clients were to describe your best qualities, what would you hope they say?
- How often are you currently doing the things that make you come alive? What’s holding you back from doing it more?
- Based on the “Ikigai” graphic above- where does your current career path fall on that map?
- If we are catching up 2 or 3 years from today- what would have to happen to make you feel really good about the progress you’re making personally and professionally?
- What opportunities might come up in the next 6 months that would help make that progress? What threats would you like to avoid to stay on track?
- Who in your life might you benefit from sharing these responses with?
Happy New Year and Good luck in 2024!
The Janiec Reflection 