Life has a way of sweeping us along in a whirlwind of tasks, goals, and responsibilities. Because of this, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily grind without pausing for a moment of reflection or asking “is this where I want to be?”
Within Rick Tamlyn’s Bigger Game framework, there’s a dedicated space for this type of reflection. This is the “Assess” component, which is a crucial piece of the puzzle when striving to play your biggest game. It’s a chance to check in with yourself, honestly and openly, to determine if your current path aligns with your goals, values, and deepest desires. So, let’s explore the power of self-assessment and how to utilize it effectively.
Defining Assess Within Your Bigger Game
The “Assess” component in the bigger game framework is all about taking an honest inventory of where you currently stand across all the key areas. Consider it a check-in with yourself, answering questions like: “How am I doing?” “Where am I right now?” “Where do I want to go from here?”
The key to a successful assessment is approaching it with a sense of curiosity instead of judgment or self-critique. It’s NOT about tearing yourself down, but about gathering accurate and honest information about your current state. This self-awareness provides a strong foundation for making adjustments and charting a course toward your goals and a more fulfilling life.
Self-Assessment Strategies for Your Bigger Game
Self-assessment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are various strategies and tools to help you gain clarity, pinpoint areas of strength, and identify where you want to adjust course. Let’s look at a few helpful approaches.
Reflective Questions
One of the most effective self-assessment tools is simply taking the time to ask yourself some questions. Think of these as a means of checking in on your own progress and aligning your actions with your bigger goals. Here are a few examples of questions to kickstart your assessment:
- How’s it going? This open-ended question forces you to pause and reflect on your current state of being. Be honest with yourself about how things are going in general—do you feel fulfilled, overwhelmed, or maybe somewhere in between?
- What’s next? This forward-thinking question prompts you to visualize where you want to go next. Are you feeling the tug of hunger for growth? Are you thinking about taking a bold action?
- What is working? What needs to change? Pinpointing where your actions are serving your bigger Ggame goals is just as important as identifying where adjustments are needed.
- What have I learned? Take stock of what you’ve learned about yourself and your bigger game. What have you gained regarding clarity on your compelling purpose, your strengths, or areas for development?
Structured Exercises
If a more guided exercise appeals to you, there are a variety of tools and techniques that can help. Journaling prompts are a great way to deepen your self-assessment. Examples include prompts like “What are my core values and how do they align with my current actions?” or “What am I most grateful for in my life right now and how does that connect to my bigger purpose?”.
Another useful tool is the Wheel of Life. This visual exercise offers a structured way to assess different areas of your life integral to your bigger game (think family, health, career, personal growth, etc.). By rating your satisfaction level within each area, you create a visual representation of where things stand and highlight potential areas for improvement.
Seeking External Perspectives
While self-reflection is a powerful starting point for your assessment, gaining insights from others is equally important. Trusted mentors, coaches, or supportive friends and colleagues can offer fresh perspectives and point out blind spots you might miss on your own. Having these honest conversations allows you to see how your actions are perceived by others, which might differ from your own internal assessment.
Seek out individuals who know you well, have your best interests at heart, and aren’t afraid to offer constructive feedback. Be clear about what areas you want to get their insights on, whether it’s your career trajectory, communication skills, or how well you’re living in alignment with your values. Remember, external feedback shouldn’t be taken as absolute truth, but as a source of information to consider alongside your own self-assessment.
Regular Check-Ins
Self-assessment thrives on regular practice. To remain aligned with your goals and purpose, it’s essential to make self-reflection an integral part of your journey rather than a one-and-done activity. Determine a method that works for you, whether it’s setting aside a dedicated block of time each month for deep reflection or incorporating quick check-ins as part of your weekly routines.
One approach is to use the reflective questions discussed earlier on a regular basis to gauge your progress. You can also revisit your Wheel of Life periodically to see how your satisfaction levels may shift. Even simply pausing for mindful reflection on your experiences, successes, and challenges can be a powerful check-in tool, keeping you attuned to potential course corrections. Ultimately, consistency is key!
Self-Assessment: Your Compass for Playing a Bigger Game
Self-assessment is an invaluable tool for navigating your bigger game. It offers clarity, honesty, and empowers you to make informed decisions that keep you moving towards your greatest potential. Regular self-assessment throughout your journey ensures you stay on track, identify areas where adjustments are needed, and consistently work towards the fullest, most rewarding version of your life.
If you’re ready to level up your self-awareness, I’m here to help. Contact me today to explore how coaching can support you in playing your biggest game!