What's missing? Responsibility and Constructive Criticism
Here's the deal... this morning I enjoyed a meditation that included a centering thought that I found profoundly and remarkably true in the sense that it's so simple and yet so important in personal as well as professional growth.
"What I am aware of, I can change."
But what if I'm not aware? I will never change.
Every day I choose to do, say and behave as I do. And I take personal responsibility for my actions, how I present and ultimately for being precisely who I am.
In addition, I have the ability to listen to those who offer constructive criticism of me and intently hear, allow for and utilize those outside opinions and observations to open my eyes to those things I cannot see for myself.
If I am too busy in life to realize or be aware of something I am doing, feeling or saying that is not productive for me, nor others, then how am I to change? It is with self-reflection, which is my personal responsibility, and constructive criticism from others that can make this process far easier so the necessary change can be made. But we miss this, are fearful of it, avoid it and sometimes outright deny or dismiss it.
If we don't take time to self-reflect or don't listen to what others have to say in their offerings of truly constructive criticism, how will we ever grow, improve and positively change? This applies to us personally and professionally... as well as matters that indirectly affect our daily lives... politically, economically, socially.
I firmly believe in taking pause to assess and remember the larger picture, the greater goals and extended vision beyond ourselves so the tasks, chores, meetings, errands and demands of daily life don't blind us from being the best we can be as employers/employees/colleagues, friends, lovers, family members and simply enough, open, loving and mindful humans.
We all have faults. We all have weaknesses. We all have imperfections. Remember to be thankful when you are able, either on your own or with someone's help, to clearly see these and then accept them, work on them and do what you can to change, adapt and be the best version of you... every day.
That's where I am today... mindful, aware, improving, adapting and thankful.
"What I am aware of, I can change."
But what if I'm not aware? I will never change.
Every day I choose to do, say and behave as I do. And I take personal responsibility for my actions, how I present and ultimately for being precisely who I am.
In addition, I have the ability to listen to those who offer constructive criticism of me and intently hear, allow for and utilize those outside opinions and observations to open my eyes to those things I cannot see for myself.
If I am too busy in life to realize or be aware of something I am doing, feeling or saying that is not productive for me, nor others, then how am I to change? It is with self-reflection, which is my personal responsibility, and constructive criticism from others that can make this process far easier so the necessary change can be made. But we miss this, are fearful of it, avoid it and sometimes outright deny or dismiss it.
If we don't take time to self-reflect or don't listen to what others have to say in their offerings of truly constructive criticism, how will we ever grow, improve and positively change? This applies to us personally and professionally... as well as matters that indirectly affect our daily lives... politically, economically, socially.
I firmly believe in taking pause to assess and remember the larger picture, the greater goals and extended vision beyond ourselves so the tasks, chores, meetings, errands and demands of daily life don't blind us from being the best we can be as employers/employees/colleagues, friends, lovers, family members and simply enough, open, loving and mindful humans.
We all have faults. We all have weaknesses. We all have imperfections. Remember to be thankful when you are able, either on your own or with someone's help, to clearly see these and then accept them, work on them and do what you can to change, adapt and be the best version of you... every day.
That's where I am today... mindful, aware, improving, adapting and thankful.
