Talk to Yourself

“Know Thyself.”  – Socrates   

(The article below is an article I read on a constant basis. It is an article written by Bruce Rector, motivational speaker, Trainer and Past JCI World President.)

“You were really carrying on quite a conversation with your dashboard this morning,” said my friend. He said that he had been driving the car next to me while we both waited at a stoplight. We both laughed as I explained that, I had been using the commute time to practice an upcoming speech.

As strange as it may sometimes look to others, I talk to myself a lot. I not only practice speeches, but I also do it to see how words might sound before I have a difficult conversation with others. Just as one might write several drafts before submitting a final written work, I like to “publish” spoken words as well before sharing them with others. Saying the words to myself helps my self-awareness and helps me better choose the right words at the right time.

A fellow leadership consultant helped me to develop the habit of talking to myself, particularly in stressful situations. During exercises called “moments of awareness,” I stop and ask myself these questions: What am I doing, thinking and feeling right now? What do I want to do right now? What actions and words will help me or prevent me from getting the result I want? What will I choose to do? These exercises and questions usually lead to a more measured approach and often change how I react or respond to the provocative words and behavior.

Outstanding leaders know the importance of reflection and self-awareness. They know they must be continually mindful of what they are thinking, feeling and doing. They understand the importance of choosing the best words and actions to help them meet their objectives. They realize how easily they can get caught up in anger, frustration and their own self-image, and lose sight of their mission, values and goals.

What are you doing to become more aware of your actions, thoughts and feelings as you encounter stressful situations during the day? Do you pause at key moments to carefully analyze your how emotions might be affecting your words, actions and attitude? Are you letting hasty reactions to difficult people and stressful situations prevent you from getting what you really want?

This week, seek to be more self-aware as you lead and work with others. Learn to talk to yourself by using moments of awareness to better understand how your emotions, feelings and thoughts may be preventing you from reaching your goals. To best know, understand and lead others, you must first know thyself.