About your value...

How did that value exercise go last week? Did another week pass and you are feeling deflated and undervalued, or are you more able to recognize that unique perspective which you and only you can bring to a situation?
It’s true that your value is not always recognized (here is where some subtle and tasteful self-promotion can come in, but more on that later), so let’s dive into finding out information on your perceived value to others in order to hone in on the why, when and how! Take time this week to ask. That’s right—actively solicit feedback on how people perceive you.
Simply send a quick email with the following three questions to a few colleagues with whom you regularly interact, former classmates you’ve shared a project with, or even friends (those that register above the level of an acquaintance).

  1. What are my unique abilities or super powers?
  2. What shows up in the room when I do?
  3. How have I contributed to yours and/or others’ lives?

You could also set up a couple of short interviews to cover off these deeper questions with close friends or family (be sure to take notes, or record the conversations). These allow you to go more in depth on how you show up in the world. Use their responses to reflect—does your self-perception align with how others see you?

Stress: What causes me tension?
Patterns: What recurring patterns do you observe in my life?
Strengths: What allows me to be great?
Energy: What gives me energy?

Try at least one, if not both of these information gathering exercises. The more data you can gather, the better! Which leads me to a good tip:
TIP- participate in this exercise as an observer/listener. Be receptive only. This is not a conversation, simply a study. You are gathering data. Try to remove your emotion so as not to taint the data.

If it helps think of it as an exercise of being like a monk—removed and at peace. Just try it out. Go on, go get your zen on.


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