Take time to get to know yourself

For 10 years now, I've run the good race in IT. Worked hard to learn, develop professionally, and inspire change. Sometimes, success comes at a cost and it is difficult to balance work with other aspects of our lives. When I forget who I am and what my core values are, it becomes apparent because for me being right becomes more important than being in relationship. I think we all have triggers and core behaviors that come out like this when we get off track. Staying focused also becomes harder when we aren't crystal clear about who we are.

I believe getting to know yourself takes time and deliberate focus for most people. Some methods work better than others, and different methods will work for different people. It's normal to become confused, stressed and even to not know the answers to the questions you ask yourself. It's 100% worth it, though. Here are just a few questions to get you started:

1. What makes you smile?

2. What don't you like or makes you unhappy?

3. What top three values mean the most to you?

4. What are your strengths or what are you good at?

Relationships are key to success in life and in business. We cannot build great relationships without first knowing ourselves.

Reading recommendation: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey.