Stage 1. The Power of Self-Awareness

This week, we’ll dive into the first stage of the SHINE framework: Strengthening Self-Awareness. By focusing on this initial stage, we’re laying a strong foundation for meaningful transformation—one that starts from within.

If you’re new to this series, please visit A Journey into the Unknown | LinkedIn.

Understanding yourself is the foundation of personal growth. By knowing your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations, you can make informed decisions, build stronger relationships, and achieve your goals.

Jane, our protagonist, began her journey with a CliftonStrengths assessment. Excitement swelled as she read through the results. They revealed a clear picture of her unique strengths. Armed with this newfound self-awareness, she was able to see areas where she could excel and areas where she needed to develop.

However, as she reflected on her results, questions began to surface, casting a shadow over her initial enthusiasm.

?? Why were there so many weaknesses in her report?

?? If so, how was she able to accomplish anything in her life?

?? How could she only have a few strengths?

She wanted to ask her friends for feedback but was afraid that they would see her differently or, worse, criticise her. If her colleagues found out, it would start to affect her position in the company. With these thoughts swirling in her mind, a heavy weight of dread settled in her chest and Jane began to feel overwhelmed by it all.

Finding A CliftonStrengths Coach

It was at this critical juncture that the same colleague recommended that she work with a CliftonStrengths coach, sharing their positive experiences and the impact coaching had on their own journey. Finding the right coach was another challenge, there were so many options available. Jane began to seek referrals and do some research. She finally chose a certified coach who shared the same values as she did.

The Process of Coaching

Through their session, Jane began to realise:

?? The definition of weakness in CliftonStrengths is anything that inhibits success.

?? Working on her dominant strengths would help her overcome the areas she was weak in.

?? Jane was surprised to find that some of her strengths included aspects that were new to her.

By using some of the tools provided by the coach, she decided to start at the beginning and rediscover herself. She became more mindful of her thoughts and emotions both at home and at work, taking the time to journal her experiences. Each entry became a canvas for self-discovery, allowing her to explore her feelings and recognize patterns in her behaviour. With each reflection, she deepened her self-awareness of her strengths, setting her on a transformative path toward becoming the person she aspired to be. Every day was a new beginning and a journey to change and development.

Jane started to feel a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. She was ready to face the challenges ahead and eager to embrace the opportunities for growth that awaited her. But would the next step in her journey be as easy as this one? Was it even necessary to continue the journey? She was happy to know and understand her strengths and this seemed enough to move forward.

Why Does Self-Awareness Matter:

?? Enhanced Understanding: By being mindful, Jane gained a deeper insight into her thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

?? Improved Communication: Self-awareness helped her enhance her communication skills by recognising her emotional triggers.

?? Better Stress Management: Knowing her triggers helped her to control her reactions in challenging situations.

?? Informed Decisions: Knowing her strengths, Jane was able to make better decisions that aligned with her values and beliefs.

?? Personal Growth: Jane was now on a journey to recognise her areas for improvement.

Your Journey to Self-Awareness:

1. Take a Strengths Assessment: Invest in a CliftonStrengths assessment to gain insights into your unique talents. To learn more about CliftonStrengths, visit CliftonStrengths: Transforming Weaknesses into Success - genXcel - Growing Individually, Thriving Together.
2. Reflect on Your Results: Spend time reflecting on your Top Five strengths and how they manifest in your daily life. Rediscover yourself by reading the Five Steps to Discover Yourself by genXcel post and explore how your natural talents align with your strengths.
3. Seek Feedback: Ask your friends, family, and colleagues for honest feedback on your strengths.
4. Practice Mindfulness & Journalling: For this week, incorporate the practice of mindfulness into your routine. See the guide below.

The Mindfulness Guide

1. Find a quiet space. It could be a quiet corner at home in your favourite chair, while walking at a park or some other comfortable space.
2. Set a timer. Start with 5 to 10 minutes. As you get more comfortable, increase the time.
3. Focus on your breath. Slowly start to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Pay attention to the sensation of the air filling your lungs and the release as you exhale.
4. Notice your thoughts. Notice your thoughts as they come in and acknowledge them without judging or analysing them.
5. Reflect on your feelings. Once the time runs out, take a moment to write down your emotions and any insights that may have come in.
6. Maintain the rhythm. Throughout the week, write down your behaviours, observe patterns, and deepen your self-awareness along the way. Journalling helps your thinking and can be therapeutic as well. Download the Personal Journal worksheet provided by genXcel. Use it as many times as you like, to record any number of incidents during the week.

?? Remember:

?? Self-awareness is an ongoing journey.

?? Don’t be hard on yourself. You’re just starting out.

?? By continuously reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and unlock your full potential. ??

Stay tuned to find out -

?? Would this be the end of Jane’s journey?

?? Would she find a reason to continue?

?? What will you plan for the week ahead of you - have you decided to SHINE?

How genXcel Can Help:

1. We offer personalized coaching packages (including the CliftonStrengths assessment) to help you understand your unique strengths. Keep in mind that CliftonStrengths differ from the everyday meanings of the same word; a CliftonStrengths coach can walk you through your report, bringing each strength to life with insights specific to you.
2. If you're ready to get started, let’s work together. Schedule a free 30-minute discovery call and start your transformation journey today. ?? Click here to book your call or send a WhatsApp message.

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