[[The Work]] Getting to Know Yourself on Purpose

Exercises from Episode Seven of The Problem is You Podcast to Uncover Your True Self

Okay, okay, these will be coming out on Tuesday from now on…

If you haven’t listened to Episode Seven of The Problem is You Podcast, I would start there so that you can better understand why these exercises are framed the way they are!

And while you’re there, you can subscribe so you never miss an episode! They are out every Friday :)

And if you’re more of an Apple Podcast listener, you can listen and subscribe here!

As promised, here are the exercises I talked about IN DETAIL in last week’s episode of the podcast. And as always, give yourself grace and patience as you explore this new way of thinking. It takes time and practice!

Exercise 1: Reflect on Proud Moments

Objective: Identify the qualities you admire in yourself by reflecting on past experiences where you felt proud, impactful, and purposeful to start bringing awareness to not only what you do, but why you did it, and how it made you feel!

Steps:

1. Recall Proud Moments: Think about times in your life when you felt a strong sense of pride, joy, or accomplishment. These can be big achievements or small, meaningful moments.

2. Identify Core Qualities: For each memory, identify the qualities you exhibited. What about your participation made you proud? Did you show integrity, kindness, creativity, resilience, or another quality?

3. List and Analyze: Write down these qualities and reflect on why they are important to you. How do these qualities make you feel more like yourself?

Example: You might recall a time when you helped a friend in need and felt a deep sense of integrity and compassion. These qualities might be central to who you are and how you want to show up in the world.

Exercise 2: Define Intellectual and Functional Values

Objective: Understand your values intellectually and how they functionally show up in your life.

Steps:

1. Intellectual Understanding: For each quality identified, ask yourself what it means to you. Define it in your own terms.

2. Identify What It's Not: Determine how you know when you're not living according to this value. What behaviors or thoughts indicate a departure from this quality?

3. Functional Application: Consider how you actively engage with this value in your daily life. What actions or behaviors demonstrate this quality?

Example: If integrity is a core value, intellectually it might mean being honest and trustworthy. Functionally, it might show up as always keeping your promises and being the friend who listens without judgment.

Exercise 3: Prioritize Your Top Qualities

Objective: Determine which qualities are most important to you and ensure you are fulfilling them in various areas of your life.

Steps:

1. Rank Your Qualities: Prioritize your top three to five qualities. These are the aspects of yourself that you cherish the most.

2. Evaluate Your Life: Examine different areas of your life (relationships, work, hobbies) and assess how well they align with your top qualities.

3. Adjust as Needed: If certain areas of your life aren't fulfilling these qualities, consider how you can make changes. This might involve setting new boundaries, finding new activities, or adjusting your mindset.

Example: If being funny is a top quality for you, but your current environment doesn't support this, find ways to engage in activities or relationships that allow you to express your humor.

Exercise 4: Set Specific Goals

Objective: Create actionable steps to live more in alignment with your core qualities.

Steps:

1. Identify Goals: Based on your prioritized qualities, set specific goals that will help you live more authentically.

2. Break Down Goals: For each goal, outline the steps you need to take to achieve it. Be specific about the actions required.

3. Monitor Progress: Regularly check in with yourself to see how well you are integrating your core qualities into your daily life and adjust as needed.

Example: If one of your goals is to feel more freedom, break it down into actionable steps like planning regular vacations, scheduling self-care activities, or finding flexible work opportunities.

You are CAPABLE.

You are ENOUGH.

You are LOVED.

Unmeasurably.

🪐to the brave thing,

Xx, Cait