You need to know this fact: You need to know where you are and who you are today before you can determine what you need to do to get to who you want to be and where you want to go tomorrow.
One of my favorite singer-songwriters is Leon Russell. Leon sadly died last year. I decided to play his music while writing this blog. I listened to Magic Mirror which pertains specifically to today’s topic. The lyrics refer to the fact that others see us in many ways: “To the thieves, I am a bandit, to the mothers I’m a son, to the preacher I’m a sinner, Lord I’m not the only one.” Amen to that Leon!
Then I listened to Wet Willie, and their song Keep on Smiling. The lyrics include “You’re just hanging out in the local bar wonderin’ who the hell you are, are you a farmer or are you a star?” It sounds funny, but both of us have likely asked ourselves similar questions from time to time.
Are you aware that people often see you differently than you see yourself? Think about that for a moment. You, and I, probably think that we project a certain aura that paints the picture of how the world views us. Since everyone is unique and sees things through their lenses that can’t possibly be true. Even God is considered differently by different people. How could you or I trump that position in the universe?
John Maxwell’s Law 3: The Law Of Awareness – You Must Know Yourself To Grow Yourself is an emotional and intellectual dive into the sometimes abyss of answering the question: Who am I? That is a question that we all need to ask ourselves. Unless of course, we don’t want to know.
So, what does it mean to be personally aware? As Wet Willie sang “…who the hell you are, are you a farmer or are you a star?” Since I was once a farmer, but no longer, I can discard that one immediately. I think! And am I a star? Who’s the judge? Because if it is the world I am not a star nor, and based on what I see them going through, I don’t think I ever want to be. Life’s too short to put up with that. For example, who in their right mind would want to be president of the United States? Possibly the worst job on the planet!
All of that dispensed, it is vital that you, and I do our best to become aware of who we are. If stumped by that, we are not alone. Secondly, how could we possibly know how to become who we want to be? If you decide you are a farmer and want to become a star, you can chart your course and go for it! If you are a star, who wants to become a farmer, buy yourself a pair of boots and enjoy the tractor ride. And finally, we need to ask ourselves questions to help us establish our baseline and be honest with our answers.
Do you have a sense of direction?
Do you know your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and opportunities?
If you want to go somewhere or become someone other than where and who you are today, you must know your current state. That is an awareness or a baseline for moving forward. That type of consciousness may not be natural for you. Your point of reference may take you to a place you don’t belong, so it is essential to understand that there are points of reference that could be troublesome, inaccurate or downright dangerous. Remember the lyrics to Magic Mirror? “To the thieves, I am a bandit.” That’s what they think, but how do you feel about yourself or how does God see you? Who is more important, the thief or God? If perception can become a reality, be careful of the impression you have of yourself. It could be deceiving. Having a realistic but positive self-perspective is healthy.
John Maxwell talks about three kinds of people when it comes to finding direction: those who don’t know what they want, those who know what they want, and those who know but don’t do what they want. Those who don’t know what they want are confused. Those who know but don’t do it are frustrated. Neither condition is healthy.
John also offers some guidance to become more personally aware. It begins by asking a few more questions of yourself:
What do you think it means to be personally aware?
Do you like what you are currently doing and who you now are?
What is it that you would like to do or who would you like to become?
Do you think you can do what you want to do or become who you want to become?
Why (if you know) do you want to do that or become she/he?
To know what you want, you must be conscious of your choices. You also must act and not just think about it. Inspiration plus execution equals results. When in motion, find someone to help you on your journey by holding you accountable. Be careful not to choose someone who will not dare to keep you at your best, but instead take the easy road and become your “yes person.” Then find someone that you would like to emulate that is likeminded. Hang around with them. Hang around with winners! They will have a positive impact on your life.
I have a coach/counselor that I have paid to spend time with me for years. He is honest with me and knows me better than any of my friends. And though he holds me accountable, he also encourages me. He sees the growth, improvement, and potential in me. And John Maxwell himself is my mentor and has been now for well more than a decade. I don’t regularly meet with John in person, but I read his books, listen to his recordings (Minute with Maxwell and others) and I apply his leadership principles to my personal experiences and life situation. All of this is part of becoming more aware of who you are and who you want to grow into while also figuring out what you want to do with your life. The journey is not always easy, but it’s worth it!