I’ve had so many conversations lately about people who are fed up with their job or their teams. They’re trapped on the treadmill of life and don’t pause to reflect on who they are becoming. It’s increasingly common in our fast-paced lives, and the question arises – When was the last time you looked in the mirror and genuinely liked the person staring back at you?
I’m not talking about what you’re wearing or how your hair looks, I want you to look deeper than that. Are you truly happy with the life you are living? It’s a simple exercise but incredibly powerful. It prompts us to evaluate our behaviours, decisions, and impacts on others, so we can make choices that better resonate with our true selves.
I’ve used this exercise many times in my life, during periods of struggle. Most recently, during my cancer diagnosis, I wasn’t happy with how I was living. I was so angry at the people who misdiagnosed me and at the situation as a whole. I was going down a dark hole but through introspection, I was able to confront this anger and find a path to positive healing energy.
It’s also an incredibly helpful exercise for leaders. It’s easy to make small compromises to suit our teams or organisations, but this adds up over time and we can lose track of ourselves. Thankfully, with consistent self-awareness, we can keep our values, priorities, and choices aligned with the person we aspire to be.
So, the next time you gaze into the mirror, pause and ask yourself – Are you happy with who is staring back at you? Embrace the discomfort that comes with self-reflection, for it is in those moments of vulnerability that true growth occurs.
Remember, change is a gradual process, but every step towards aligning with your authentic self brings you closer to a life of fulfilment.
LINKS
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Website: https://juliehyde.com.au