21 Questions for Self-Discovery: Connect The Dots to Your Blueprint For Success©

Create Your Own Blueprint for Success©

When talking about success Oprah Winfrey said "Everybody has a calling. And your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you were meant to be, and to begin to honor that in the best way possible for yourself."
 
So how do you do that?
 
When you were young, whether you knew it or not, your parents hard-coded you with a definition of success. This influence not only drives YOU to try to succeed in the way you have done but it may have prevented you from tapping into your greatest strengths and passion.
 
Your parent’s success norms were established from what was important to them, determined by the circumstances and experiences THEY knew to be true.
 
As we grow up, we seldom challenge these built-in assumptions or stop and reflect on what we are doing to redefine ‘what does success mean…to me’.
 
The result for many, is an ongoing internal battle; chasing somebody else’s idea of success, guilt-ridden, filled with negative self-talk, feeling stuck or unfulfilled.
 
Self-Discovery Takes Work
When working with new coaching clients, one of the first questions we tackle is ‘what does success look like for YOU!’ We do this through a series of questions and in-depth discussion.
 
Self-discovery to figure out ‘who you are and who you’re meant to be’ takes work. It means thought provoking introspection and reflection about what success really means to you. While it may feel a bit overwhelming at first, you’ll soon reveal clues into what you are good at and where to begin for meaningful progress best suited to the real you.
 
The definition of your success and the meaning you attribute to it differs from one person to another – it is made up of guiding principles (values), beliefs and desires.  It is yours and yours alone to determine.
 
It all starts with getting to know yourself really well, reflecting and observing all that you know about YOU.
 
Are you ready to dive in and create your own journey to success? If so, then this post is for you! Below is a personal discovery assessment to help you begin your own journey. Print your own copy to write on.
 
Personal Discovery Assessment - Blueprint for Success©
For some people, the questions may feel daunting to answer; there is no rush, take your time. It’s perfectly OK to chunk into a few questions at a time, pick the easiest ones first or just talk it out with someone you feel comfortable with. 
 
Each question will help you probe deeper into ‘who you are and who you are meant to be’.
 
Be very specific and thorough with your answers; take whatever time you need to think about each question to answer fully.
 
(Click here to download a free Blueprint For Success© to write on)

1. What more do I want out of life?
2. What do I value?
3. What do I spend most of my time doing these days?
4. What do I most like about myself?
5. How do my values shape what I’m interested in?
6. What do I most love spending time doing? What about it is enjoyable?
7. What do I want to be known for? Why?
8. What am I most proud of? Why?
9. Who really motivates me? What is it about them that motivate me?
10. What work makes me tired, worn out and saps my energy?
11. What do I want to learn more about?
12. What hobbies do I love to do? Why?
13. What one thing do I really want to change?
14. What excites me about the changes I want to make?
15. What scares me about the changes I want to make?
16. To what extent am I really willing and able to change?
17. What do others come to me for?
18. What perceptions do others have about me that I would like to change?
19. If money weren’t a factor, what work would I be doing? Why?
20. To what extent do I believe in myself?
21. What are the self-limiting beliefs that hold me back?

What Does Success FEEL Like to ME? (check all that apply)

Winning	Accomplishments	Opulence & Luxury
Higher Education	Good Paying Job	Lots of Money
Simplicity & Ease	Comfortable Lifestyle	No Struggles
High Quality	Name Brand Stuff	Good Health
Peace of Mind	Time With Family	Regular Travel
Legacy Building	Power & Prestige	Happiness & Laughter
Relentless Pursuits	Constant Growth	Being Remembered
Well Being	Title & Position	Balanced Life

 
Now armed with this wealth of information, begin to look for patterns and reveal the clues of ‘who am I, what are my gifts’ – what picture do you notice emerging? 
 
Observe how aligned you are on your current path with what you see as success – are you close or is there work to be done?
 
Once you see the gap you can begin to make your success plan – your blueprint.  There are always steps you can take to begin a new journey, a change in direction or even to start all over if needed!
 
Create Your Success Plan

1. What is my greatest learning from this self-discovery?
2. What change is needed to move closer to my desired outcome?
3. Who can I connect with or surround myself with to accelerate my growth/success?
4. What steps do I need to take to move closer to my vision of success?
5. What activities do I need to do more of?
6. What activities do I need to do less of?
7. What attributes do I have that I can leverage to move me forward?
8. How do I need to show up differently to other people to line up with my success ambition?
9. What one thing can I begin with today that will move me toward my future success?
10. What one thing will I commit to doing next week to keep momentum for my goals?
11. What two things will I start to do next month to move me ahead?
12. What change do I want to see over the next year that aligns with my objectives?

Success begins as soon as you create the right mindset and take meaningful action in the right direction! There are a variety of tools and methods you can use to understand 'who you are and who you are meant to be', you can begin the journey whenever you are ready.
 
If you are looking for help to connect the dots from your current situation to a more fulfilling future, then look no further – reach out today for candid guidance and a coach who will be in your corner!

Photo credit: Daniel McCullough CC0 Unsplash