I want to share with you one of the most uncomfortable but most unbelievable personal growth exercises that I have ever done!
I realized through some personal/business coaching that I am doing, that I need to understand how other people perceive me. In order to do this, I had to go WAY out of my comfort zone!
Here’s what I did. I had to interview a number of people in different areas: 2 personal, 2 business and 2 relational. I ended up having so much fun with this that I called 14 people!
I asked them questions like:
• Are we able to connect on a deeper level? Do you feel that I include you in my life? Do I let you in? If I don’t let you in, what makes you feel that way?
• What are the things that work about me in business? What doesn’t work about me?
• How do I make you feel in our interactions?
• What are the things that would keep you from asking me out or being in a relationship with me?
The feedback I received was tremendous and most people were happy to share openly with me. And it’s extremely important for you to remember not to become defensive or upset when someone tell you something that you don’t like! Generally, we need to take note of these things and go to work on ourselves!
I highly recommend that everyone do this! This is one of the best things you can do for yourself and will help you move forward with your life.
Wow, what I learned was amazing! I would encourage you to go for it and do the same.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Ellen! Great post, it is kind of scary to ask people the honest truth about ourselves. It is hard to see your flaws but I think if you can take constructive criticism you will grow a ton. Thanks for sharing this great post!
.-= Angela´s last blog ..How to See Challenges As Opportunities =-.
Wow! I love this… Thanks for sharing!
I am definitely going to do this… I’m sure it will open my eyes
Thanks again, Ellen
Ellen,
Great post but even greater courage for you to go through this exercise.
It is very tough for us to take constructive criticism. It’s probably a smaller percentage of the population that can opposed to can’t. I applaud you for this exercise as we experience exponential growth when we step out of our comfort zones. I’m sure growth was evident to you once the exercise was complete.
When we go beyond our zones of comfort, we are empowering ourselves. And when you come from a place of empowerment, you are one heck of a force to be reckoned with.
Again….I applaud you.
Stay growing,
Kevin Tyler Smith
Promethean Life
.-= Kevin Tyler Smith´s last blog ..The Unconventional Guide To Ditch Stress And Reclaim Your Motivation =-.
I have done this exercise before and found it most enlightening! I found that I was able to tell if someone was telling me what they thought I wanted to hear or not. When I sensed their hesitation I gave them assurance that the truth would set us both free!
The truth shall set you free! Ken – you and I think a lot alike!
It was definitely one of the toughest things I have done. But definitely one of the most rewarding! Most people don’t want to hear the truth – and when they do, they become defensive!
Let me know how it goes!
I enjoy your posts as well. Constructive criticism is necessary!