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"Self-awareness is the foundation of self-improvement. Because intentional growth starts with benchmarking where we are in relation to where we want to go"

We live by the same creed and this post motivated me to not skip my weekly journaling review. You are right...reflection is needed to digest the gains from turning inwards.

I also loved the three tweets you featured...timelines and very useful lessons!

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Thanks, Camilo! Glad the messages resonated (I'm sure you recognized all the Tweeters from Write of Passage :)).

Reflection is powerful indeed. It's funny because in elementary school, our teachers had us journal regularly but I don't think we process the value of such an exercise until much later in life. It would help if teachers were more explicit in planting that seed of knowledge.

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Thanks for sharing all these gems. A limiting belief I’m learning to let go of us “my confidence is annoying.”

Calm and quiet confidence is my super power, but I’m challenging myself to be more explicit with my confidence and pitch myself more often in my writing and at work.

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Thank YOU for sharing, Rachael. That's a great insight and resonates with a limiting belief I've held too. I used to struggle with posting on LinkedIn and Twitter (what to share and how frequently) because I didn't want to be overbearing but there's a difference between being consistent and spammy and that's helped me embrace posting more.

Glad you're pitching yourself more. It's something I'm actively working on too. :)

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May 25, 2023Liked by Alexandra Allen

Love the self-reflection exercise. I did it and it was helpful. And, yes, Regret, is soul-destroying.

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Thanks, Mary Lou! I’m sure the lake in the background served as the perfect backdrop for reflection. It’s so peaceful by the water!

I agree, regret is soul-destroying so it’s best to swing for the fences and face any rejection that comes our way, learn from it, and move on knowing we will have opportunities to try again with more wisdom in our arsenal.

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Hi Alexandra,

Thanks, this is totally total!

My *anchor* is disorganization and imbalance between my different priorities.

This year, I want to devote more time to meditation and let everything else be.

Also, I may have ADHD, which make everything more interesting and distracting. {:-)

Many smiles and much metta,

Rohi

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Thanks for the kind words, Rohi! Much appreciated.

That’s a common challenge. As a project manager, I always tell people I work with to:

1. Identify their top 1-2 priorities

2. Define deliverables for each

3. Work backwards to break them down into minimum viable steps

4. Carve out sacred hours in your calendar to tackle each step (and add buffer zones to compensate for steps you underestimate)

5. Avoid context switching by allocating mornings and afternoons (or entire days) to specific projects

6. Clean your (mental) slate each time you finish working on a project for the day by noting where to pick up next and then closing all your browsers (it will help clear your mind)

I know these tips don’t necessarily account for ADHD but hopefully they help at a high level. :)

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Thanks a ton, Alexandra!

Your advice is helpful at every level. {:-)

[I'm copy-pasting it into my journal.]

You're wise beyond measure.

Many smiles and much metta,

Rohi

"As long as you live, keep learning how to live." ~Seneca

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Regret is absolutely the worst of the options. I've had many experiences with this as a performer and came to the conclusion that public embarrassment (rejection) is fuel and private embarrassment (regret) is poison.

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Love that framing, Rick! Seems everyone with a growth mindset prefers rejection over regret. It’s the only way to live fully and be our most authentic selves.

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May 25, 2023Liked by Alexandra Allen

Wow, loved many parts of this issue. Funnily enough, when I did the self-reflection exercise, I couldn't find an anchor holding me back. Am I not trying hard enough? Or do I have so much conviction that I've just shattered all potential anchors? Man, I really don't know, but I probably need to reflect more.

Wanted to point out this line - "In entrepreneurship and creator communities, rejections are a badge of honour.". This is so good. In its own way, it INCENTIVIZES reaching out. Love it. Love the Main Character issue as well.

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Thanks, Ishan! That's AMAZING you don't have anything holding you back. I'm not surprised given your fearlessness for chasing wildlife 😅

Your fearlessness is clearly universal! Love it.

And 100% it's a cool incentive when you think of it.

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Thought-provoking article! There is so much growth to be had when you truly become self-aware.

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Thanks, James! 100%. :)

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