Self-reflection has often had negative connotations – think navel-gazing, an introverted or insular perspective, self-centred. This Philosopher-in-Residence has been musing upon this of late, and wanted to posit: If you don’t centre yourself, how can you keep going in the right direction?

You wouldn’t use pejorative terms about ensuring a compass, or a car’s tyres were centred before using them. It makes them work much better!

We often hear the phrase “you need to look after yourself, before you can look after others”. How many of us live up to that value though? It’s not selfish, or a bad thing, to say “no” more often. If this feels anathema to you, try qualifying this – how about “my diary is completely full next week, but I have good availability the following Tuesday morning”.

How can you create more space in your head and your life, to ensure your “me focus” is helping you to maintain or grow, not beat yourself up?

Next fortnight I’ll be writing On Wealth. You may find some of the contents valuable! Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this subject you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Pen Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here:

https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/building-a-more-inclusive-workplace/