Unlock Your True Self with the "Flow, Feel, and Reflect" Method

Ever feel like you're just going through the motions, running on autopilot without really connecting with yourself? I know the feeling all too well. Growing up, I was always on the move, jumping into the car without a care about where I was headed. That same restless energy followed me into adulthood. As a manager, I often found myself so busy that I couldn't tell if I was coming or going. But I've learned there's a way to break free from that cycle. Let's dive into a method that will help you discover self-awareness: the "Flow, Feel, and Reflect" method.

Understanding Yourself

Self-awareness is the key to personal growth and effective leadership. It's all about knowing who you are—your emotions, thoughts, strengths, and weaknesses. When you're self-aware, you align your actions with your true self, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

But let's be real: self-awareness isn't always easy. It requires a commitment to introspection and a willingness to face sometimes uncomfortable truths. That's where my "Flow, Feel, and Reflect" method comes in. It's a simple, memorable approach to help you tune into yourself and navigate your inner world.

The "Flow, Feel, and Reflect" Method

? Flow: Just BE You

Flow is about being your natural self and immersing yourself in each moment. You can't truly know yourself if you're always pretending to be something you're not. Identify what feels right and what feels forced. This takes time and focus, so you'll need to let go of distractions and fully engage with whatever you're doing.

- Practice Mindfulness: Start with simple exercises like focusing on your breath or paying attention to your surroundings. This trains your brain to stay present.

- Engage Fully: Whether you're working on a project, having a conversation, or enjoying a hobby, give it your full attention. Notice how it feels to be completely absorbed in the activity.

Why It Matters: Being present helps you connect with your authentic self, reducing stress and enhancing your ability to make conscious decisions.

? Feel: Tune Into Your Emotions

Feel is about acknowledging and understanding your emotions as they arise. I was never taught to feel my feelings, so this was a big challenge for me. It wasn't until adulthood that I realized how powerful emotions are in indicating our inner state. Once I learned to feel my feelings as they came, I became closer with myself than ever before.

- Check-In Regularly: Throughout your day, take a moment to pause and ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” Identify and name your emotions without judgment.

- Embrace All Emotions: Remember, there are no "bad" emotions. Each feeling—whether joy, anger, sadness, or fear—has a purpose and a message for you.

Why It Matters: Understanding your emotions helps you respond to situations more effectively and aligns your actions with your true feelings and values.

? Reflect: Learn from Your Experiences

Reflection involves looking back on your day, your actions, and your feelings to gain insights and foster growth. As you practice, you might even reflect back to childhood memories, connecting the dots to your current perspectives.

- Daily Reflection: At the end of each day, spend a few minutes reflecting on what you did, how you felt, and why. Journaling can be a powerful tool for this.

- Ask Key Questions: What went well today? What challenges did I face? How did I respond to my emotions? What can I learn from today’s experiences?

Why It Matters: Reflection allows you to learn from your experiences, recognize patterns in your behavior, and make conscious changes to improve your life.

Putting It All Together

Integrating the “Flow, Feel, and Reflect” method into your daily routine can transform your relationship with yourself and enhance your self-awareness. Here’s how to start:

- Morning: Begin your day with a mindfulness practice to set the tone for presence and awareness.

- Throughout the Day: Check in with your emotions regularly, allowing yourself to feel and acknowledge them.

- Evening: End your day with a reflection session, learning from the day’s experiences and setting intentions for tomorrow.

By committing to this simple yet powerful method, you'll find yourself more in tune with your inner world, better equipped to handle life’s challenges, and more aligned with your true self.

Final Thoughts

Self-awareness is not a destination but a continuous journey. It’s about being curious, compassionate, and committed to understanding yourself better every day. The “Flow, Feel, and Reflect” method is your companion on this journey, guiding you to a deeper connection with yourself and a more fulfilling life.

So, take a deep breath, smile, and embrace the journey of self-awareness. You’ve got this.

Ready to start your self-awareness journey? Join the Leading With a Smile Challenge for more tips and support then share your experiences with the “Flow, Feel, and Reflect” method in the comments below. Let’s grow together!