No matter who you are, what you’re doing, or where you want to go, it’s important to check in with yourself. It’s something you probably already do when it comes to your appearance. Whether it’s after a shower or in between meetings, you probably make time to look in a physical mirror (or your phone camera on selfie mode) and adjust your hair or clothing based on what you see. In the same way, you should make time to hold up the metaphorical mirror and check in with yourself. That way you can make the life pivots needed to progress in any situation.
Of course, making the time to do this can be easier said than done. Not because it will take super long, but because it can be tough to know when to do it. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of trying to remember to check in with yourself weekly or daily, simply make sure you occasionally check in with yourself whenever you’re experiencing one of these three situations.
Check in with yourself when things are off
Feeling angrier than usual? Sluggish when you get out of bed? Struggling to keep up with your normal routine? Then it’s time to check in with yourself.
If something is off, it’s important to sit down with yourself and figure out why. That way you can address the root cause of the issue and take action accordingly. Or in the event of an unsolvable root cause, such as a loved one’s death, you can at least understand why you’re experiencing what you are and give yourself grace.
Check in with yourself when things are great
Got that promotion? Making new friends? Are things better than ever with your partner? Great! Check in with yourself and see if you can figure out why.
Just like finding the root cause of an issue when things are off, it’s important to find the reasons behind your success. That way you can continue doing those things. It’s like doubling your investment in a stock with great returns. You want to invest in the stock that is performing well, not all the stocks in your portfolio (especially since some may be costing you).
Check in with yourself when things are normal
Feel like things are stagnant? Have you had the same routine for a while? Not having any positive or negative momentum en route to the goal you’re driving towards? Then it’s time to check in with yourself and assess your present and desired future.
Things being normal can be a good thing. But it can also be a bad thing. It’s important for you to know which one it is in your situation. Evaluate where you are and what you’re doing in every area of your life. And consider where you want to be in future. Then, make sure your plan to go from your present to this future still makes sense. If it does, keep doing what you’re doing! If not, make the necessary adjustments and go at it again.
In every situation, you have to check in with yourself before you can pivot for success. So, make time to hold up that metaphorical mirror.
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