It’s common to put in a lot of effort to get pay raises, promotions, and recognition for the professional work we do. However, we often forget to focus on our personal development as human beings, which is far more critical than any professional success.

Sadly, in recent years, a few friends have passed away. While attending their  Celebrations of Life, funerals, and services, I noticed how many speakers talked about the deceased person’s professional accomplishments, while others would share information about how kind, considerate, and respectful the deceased person was towards others and how the person lived a good life. 

However, there was one service I attended where the deceased person’s children were not very complimentary about their deceased parent.  Each child shared a number of negative traits about their parent, which I thought was most unfortunate.

Reflecting on this incident made me ponder my life and how I want to be perceived and remembered by others. I don’t want people to describe me as selfish, unkind, or inconsiderate, without empathy for others. 

So, the question I asked myself… and for you to ask yourself, too: How do I want to be remembered? Will it be positive or negative? What’s my least appealing trait, and how can I improve myself?

HOMEWORK:  Mark the calendar for a day in the next two weeks to spend at least 30-60 minutes in a quiet space. Think about yourself, candidly, and honestly. Make notes and reminders to yourself of all the most favorable traits you possess, plus all the unfavorable characteristics you hold, and set a plan to get the less favorable traits under control or eliminated.  

Conclusion: As hard and unpleasant as this task may be, to consciously acknowledge our imperfections, we are taking a leadership role in our own personal development to deliberately working to cause our own success. It’s never too late to start.

Happy Practicing!