Self-Management-Release the Power Within

Self-Management seems like a boring topic. After all, if we weren't somewhat accomplished at managing ourselves, would be where we are today. And that, just may be why Self-Management is so important.
Most people think of Self-Management in terms of managing time, but, that is a very limited view and totally limiting. Managing yourself is composed of at least 3 parts:

1. Self-Esteem
2. Awareness
3. Leverage

What is Self-Esteem anyway? The official definition is: the disposition to experience oneself as competent to cope with the challenges of life and as deserving of happiness.
Self-Esteem has two interdependent parts

 Self Efficacy-the confidence in one's ability to think, understand, trust and make good decisions
 Self-Respect-the knowledge of my value and right to be happy while expressing my thoughts, wants and needs

Without Self-Esteem, there is little chance you will able to effectively manage yourself or others.
Awareness seems simple enough. We know when the sun goes down and darkness follows or when it rains, you get wet, if you are not prepared. But awareness is much, much more than that. One thing I would do, if I had my life to live over again, would be to take more time to be aware of things and people around me. Looking back, I seemed to have raced through life and missed so much. Take time to observe.
There is a story of a Tibetan neophyte who endured 3 years of silence and daily study, who had finally reached a the point of his final examination. If he passed he would qualify for official Monk status. If he failed, he would have to commit another 3 years to silence and study. But he was prepared and knew he could answer any question the qualifying panel might ask.
On the morning of the examination, he rushed, almost ran to the examination in all confidence. He thrust open the doors to face the panel of judges that would determine his future. We stood confidently before the panel awaiting the first question. One of the oldest and wisest among the panel stood and addressed the neophyte and asked: "What were the colors of the flowers on either side to the door that allowed entrance to this room?" Needless to say, three more years! Be aware of what and how is around you. Be aware of your own body and what is going on within it. You can't manage something of which, you are not aware.
Finally there is Leverage. I know leverage seems to be in a strange place, and what does it mean anyway?
I have known many people that have worked on their weaknesses but an even fewer number that have learned how to leverage their strengths. The first step in effectively leveraging strengths is to know what your strengths actually are. I often ask the professionals I coach, what are your strengths? And, I must say that, more often than not, they do not know. How sad that is.
Learning to leverage your strengths is one of the most important things you will learn in life, so, learn them well and early to gain an advantage. Know your strengths and know how to leverage them to get what you and yours want from life.