I bet you thought that title meant asking other people to help you get what you need. And sure, it’s helpful to be able to do that.<\/p>\n
But what I want to offer today is\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0asking\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0yourself<\/em> for what you need –asking more of yourself, holding yourself more accountable, or to a higher standard than you have been.<\/p>\n And maybe,\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0in some cases, asking less, or asking for different things than you have been demanding.<\/p>\n For example: \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0less work, more play or sleep; less uber-responsibility, more boundary keeping; less excuses-making, more critical analysis and problem solving; etc.<\/p>\n So have you taken an inventory recently of what you are asking of yourself?<\/p>\n No? \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0I’d like to recommend that you take an undistracted, unpressured,15 minutes today to\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0take a head to toe, inside outside look\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0at what you are giving yourself and if it’s really what you need for the happiest, most confident and successful life.<\/p>\n Here are some prompter questions to use in your\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0self-awareness process:<\/p>\n 1. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Do you insist on thinking\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0positive, non-judgmental thoughts\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that move you forward towards your goals?<\/p>\n 2. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Are your beliefs, assumptions and perceptions binding you to negativity and sabotage, or\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0freeing you\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0for joy, new possibilities, and necessary risk-taking?<\/p>\n 3. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Do you give yourself opportunities for openheartedness and loving-kindness every day?<\/p>\n 4. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Are you\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0fueling your body\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0with immune and energy boosting nutrients, and getting enough sleep and exercise?<\/p>\n 5. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Do you recognize emotions\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0as transitory flavors of experience and put them\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0in proper perspective?<\/p>\n 6. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Can you let go of hurts, angers, fears, and re-frame your viewpoint\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0of what’s possible in any situation?<\/p>\n 7. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Will you give yourself time to\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0think twice\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0before reacting, and\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0respond quickly\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0rather than procrastinating?<\/p>\n 8. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Do you have a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0gratitude practice, or a way to\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0be grounded and authentic\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0to your true self and inner playful child?<\/p>\n 9. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Is your\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0personal support system\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0toxic — overcritical, doubting and discounting you — or are they really on your side,\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0providing encouragement, motivation?<\/p>\n 10. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Is it time to commit to changing what you ask of yourself? What will you ask for today?<\/p>\n