Start Here: Asking the Hard Questions
Self-appraisal: The Hard but Healing Habit
Self-appraisal
I’ve come to realize that self-appraisal isn’t just a personal growth exercise; it’s a way to check in with yourself and carefully assess what is working and what is not. Taking the time to honestly assess our goals, habits, relationships, and daily choices gives us the clarity to grow, to pivot, and to choose better. It’s how we expand what’s possible for ourselves.
When we slow down and take a conscious look at who we are and how we’re showing up, we begin to live a more intentional life. We notice our patterns, we make peace with our shortcomings, and over time, we build a kinder, more honest relationship with ourselves.
Of course, self-appraisal isn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable work; we are writing down and facing truths we’ve been avoiding. When done with grace, it becomes one of the most powerful habits to adopt. In short, it is how we keep coming home to ourselves.
The value of self-appraisal is that it reminds us there are things within our control, and areas of our lives that we can adjust, augment, and realign. Those include:
How we spend our time and with whom
The quality of the time we share with others
The choices we make about our bodies: how we eat, how we rest, how we nourish ourselves
And our daily performance, both in the small routines and in the pursuit of our bigger goals.
3 Simple Steps to Start Your Self-appraisal
List 5 of your personal strengths, and how they have helped in your success.
List 5 of your personal weaknesses, and how they have hindered your success, and what steps you have taken to improve.
Make a list of things that you value. (Faith, Love, Joy, etc.) Then, rate them in order of most important to least important on the list.
Goals
I’ve learned that when I’m clear about my principles and values, everything else falls into place. My goals feel more natural, less like a to-do list and more like an extension of what actually matters to me. Knowing what I stand for keeps me focused and consistent, even when things get hard.
Goal Pillars
Here is a list of some of my life goal pillars. What goals do you want to achieve?
Faith
Family
Health
Relationships
Career
Business
Education
Finances
Fun
For organizing my life goals and values, I use Notion. Writing them out helps me clearly visualize what I need to focus on, what needs my attention, and what needs to be adjusted. It keeps me focused on progress, not perfection.
3 Simple Steps for Wellness Self-appraisal
List five short-term goals that you have for the next month. How do you plan to accomplish these goals in that time frame?
List five mid-term goals that you have for the next 2-5 years. How do you plan to accomplish these goals in that time frame?
List five long-term goals that you have for the next 10+ years. How do you plan to accomplish these goals in that time frame?
So, welcome to the art of self-appraisal! It is not just a one-time exercise, but a continuous, life-long conversation with yourself. A gentle, honest practice of noticing where you are, appreciating what’s working, and permitting yourself to grow where you need to.
I would love to hear from you: What’s one area of your life you’d like to assess or bring back into alignment this week? What goals are you currently working on?
In health,
Dr. A