Our choices are often guided by concepts that are bundles of goals/fears, expectations, and personal values. This exercise is intended to help you pull those bundles apart.
Start by thinking of a way you try to be. Maybe you try to be generous, kind, helpful or a good listener. Whatever it is, write it down here:
Then, using the word or phrase above, answer these questions one by one:
1) To seem this way to others, I've been:
Pause for a moment, and answer one or both of these questions:
2) But on my own terms, being this way means being:
3) And people I admire for being this way inspire me because they are:
Now take a minute to reflect on anything interesting or surprising in the difference between your answer to Question 1) and Questions 2) and 3). Write down anything that stands out for you.