There are a number of self-awareness questions that I ask myself on a routine basis. Of these questions the one I find the most challenging to answer is as follows:
- Am I reaching my full potential?
The reason I find this question difficult to answer, is because I can ask this question of myself to address specific areas of my life and always get a different answer.
Today I asked this question of myself in a few different ways.
Here an example:
- Am I reaching my full potential?
- Am I reaching my potential as a man?
- Am I reaching my potential as a leader?
- Am I reaching my full potential as a son?
- Am I reaching my full potential as a brother?
- Am I reaching my full potential as a husband?
- Am I reaching my full potential as a coach?
As you can see, the same question asked a different way can yield multiple answers.
To add to the complexity of these questions, I also find myself questioning and debating my answers.
All of this is for the purpose of gaining clarity about one major question…
What could a more developed, well-rounded Linal Harris be and achieve, in all the different roles that he plays in life?
Think of this same question from the vantage point of who you could be and what you could achieve.
Big question, right?
So what does potential really mean?
Potential simply means what’s possible, as opposed to the actual.
Our potential is what or who we are capable of being or becoming.
We all know people who didn’t reach their potential.
…and while that can be a much more attractive focal point, most of us have yet to reach our own potential.
The truth and reality of potential is the same for all of us.
Just because I have the potential, doesn’t mean I will reach that potential.
Just because you have the potential, doesn’t mean you will reach your potential.
Thus, how can we ensure that we reach our own individual potential?
To answer this question, you will have to get very clear on the answer to two more fundamental questions about your potential.
1. Do you know directionally what your potential and possibility is?
2. What is your plan to overcome the distance between where you are now (the actual) and the potential (what is possible) for your life?
The answer to these two questions along with the original question of how to reach your full potential is:
- Focus
- Effort/Energy
- Education
- Development
To achieve the potential, you must FEED the potential!
- How focused are you on your potential?
- How much energy and effort are you expending to reach that potential?
- What do you need to know, that you don’t know today to be your potential?
- What development are you undertaking to practice being your potential?
One of the unfortunate realities of life, is that too many people die and get buried, having never lived or tasted the true extent of their potential.
“The graveyard is the richest place on the surface of the earth because there you will see the books that were not published, ideas that were not harnessed, songs that were not sung, and drama pieces that were never acted.” ~ Myles Munroe
Today, purpose in your mind the ideal to reach your potential.
Then FEED that potential and stay inspired; it’s a lifestyle choice!
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
To stay connected, be sure to follow me on the following social media outlets by hitting the links below:
For daily inspiration – text “INSPIRED” to 43783 – Enrollment is free!
