Self: It’s About Time…

To thine ownself be true

Selfie is the great craze! Our society’s phenomenon making waves over the past few years! We take pictures of ourselves at home, in the car, at work, at play and everywhere you can imagine. We Congregate and reach out to capture celebrities at public events to take that selfie to highlight our latest feat! It says we are cool. Way cool!

The selfie stick makes it even easier. With ease we are able to capture photos of ourselves in a crowd, at great heights on mountain tops, and even in the depths of the seas! The Wall Street Journal tell stories of injuries and even fatalities caused by this craze. Narcissitic mentality they called it. Yup these days we are filled with the craze! It’s all about ourselves. But is it really?

Self-Reflection

What about our inner desires? When was the last time you sat and took stock of where you are in life? Are you where you want to be? What are you most proud of? What do you like the least? Today, I encourage you to find some time alone to take stock of yourself.

Dr. Lillian Glass suggests looking at it mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. As the saying goes—to thine own self be true. So be honest and assess yourself from your present situation to your ideal situation. Think of it as though there was nothing to stop you from achieving your dreams and making them a reality. Then list all the steps that you would need to take in order to make the dreams in your life situation come true.

For example, if you are single and wish to find a partner, at times you may feel lonely, empty, and sad.  Your ideal situation may be to find a man/woman of your dreams—someone who speaks kindly to you, and treats you with respect.

The steps to make this come true are:

• Tell your friends that you are available
• Join a dating service, or a singles’ organization
• Give dinner parties and ask your friends to invite members of the opposite sex who are their friends
• Go out more often
• Get involved in classes or sports
• Ask your minister or clergy for assistance
• Be more open and friendly to people whom you meet
• Be more assertive; smile, and say hello

Do Something Different!

Even though it is scary and you may feel a little Clumsy at first, do some things that you have never done before…yikes!  Take trips by yourself; go to the movies alone; or have a cup of coffee solo.  These things can build your self-confidence even if you are a bit nervous at first. You may also consider creating new adventures for yourself and doing things that are out of character. Get a new haircut, or a new color. Grow a beard. These will not only make your life much more exciting but also prevent you from feeling sorry for yourself.

In essence, it’s about time. Step out. Take risks—and when you do, don’t be afraid to feel silly, awkward, or of being rejected. Find comfort in the saying “nothing ventured, nothing gained’.

Cheers to the new you!

Author: Dr. Shelly

Dr. Shelly Cameron is a leadership strategist, author, and executive coach dedicated to helping individuals uncover their purpose, elevate their leadership potential, and achieve meaningful success. She is the creator of the GreenLight Leadership Framework. As the curator of SuccessfulLeaders.net, Dr. Shelly shares insights drawn from her extensive experience in organizational development, human resources, and personal growth. She is passionate about empowering professionals to navigate change, manage stress, and design fulfilling lives through intentional goal setting, self-discovery, and continuous learning. Dr. Shelly's research on Success Strategies was published in the JAABC Business Journal. She is also the author of several books, including works on leadership, success, and cultural intelligence. View all posts by Dr. Shelly