Today we all know what a “selfie” is. The images are all over social media. Pictures of “self” taken by self! But what about a “selfie-check”? I wonder how many of my readers regularly take time to be introspective, to perform a selfie-check. What I mean by this is scrutinizing the state of self. Get in touch with who you are and what you truly stand for. Then verify that your actions {what you think, say and do} are congruent with who you are?

This morning’s communication with my business team was a “mentoring/coaching” email, encouraging them to dig deep and think about what they want to achieve through their business, starting with the end in mind. As a mentor, I believe self-discovery is a great teacher, more valuable than someone providing a pat answer. It‘s much more memorable and meaningful, when one has ah-ha moments through answers given to self, via thought provoking questions. The ability to ask oneself hard and provocative questions, is one of the tools that equips a person to get on the right track, stay on it or get back on it! It’s one of those survival tools that can arm us for life. I challenged my team to ask themselves and honestly answer two questions:

• Will you achieve the outcome you desire, with what you are doing today?
• Are your desires, actions and motives completely aligned? {in integrity with self?}

I was reminded of an experience long ago during my schooling as a late teenager. It was what I call one of those life-changing moments…one I will never forget {hopefully!} What I learned by completing the exercise armed me with a priceless “tool” and a simple process, that has guided me through many quandaries. It has served me faithfully during a bazillion decision-making twists and turns of life, helped me stay the course, and at times change direction and change something about me.

I was asked to write a story with the end in mind. I’m not talking about envisioning the end result of any particular goal, I’m talking THE END! The end of my life as I know it on this earth. MY DEATH! Ouch! You’re kidding me, right? I was to write specifically about my funeral or memorial service and allow my imagination to run amuck. The story would be for my eyes only, so I could let it all hang out. The purpose was an exercise of meaningful self-discovery to shape my future.

The story was to include detailed descriptions of the music, flowers, church service, cremation or memorial service. In other words, paint a vivid picture of what this “celebration of life” would resemble. Would the organ be playing or would it be a piano, a soloist or a choir? What was the fragrance from the flowers, or would there be incense burning? A simple casket or an elaborate one? Or would there be no casket and just my ashes! Where would this take place? A complete description of all surroundings was encouraged.

Here’s where I was directed to place my emphasis. WHO would attend this event and most importantly WHAT would be said about ME! Whoaaaaaa! Very intimidating. This was to be a selfie-check that would stretch my imagination beyond barriers, and send me deep into thoughts where I’d never ventured before. Thoughts of WHO I am and for what I would want to be remembered at the end of my time here on earth. I was to be accountable for who I would become and what I would do with my life. In other words, how would I spend the “dash” between my birth and death dates?

What would people say about me? How would I want to be remembered? Hmmmm. It really got me thinking. Would I want to be known as poor little Anthea who had so much potential but led a life of mediocrity and died unfulfilled, never living up to her potential? What about a rich bitch who accumulated wealth, kept it all to herself and died happy in her greed? Or would I want to be remembered by many as having freely given of my time, talents and treasure. Would I want to be known as a woman of conviction and integrity who stood up for what she believed? Would I be thought of as a woman who loved people and touched countless lives in meaningful ways? Lots of thinking was done before I completed the essay.

Once I decided what memory I’d want associated with me, the rest was easier. More questions! If I continue in the same direction, will it lead to the remembrance I’d want? What would it say on my grave stone? What must I change about ME to become THAT individual? Who really is the person I’d want to be, and how would I make my life count in the time I had before me? OMGosh! What if I died tomorrow?

I highly recommend going through this evaluation – the state of yourself. It does wonders for a reawakening of one’s life purpose, and a clear understanding of who we are and all we can become.

Forget the “selfies” for a few days! Instead, perform a selfie-check. Think of it as an investment in the rest of your life.

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