This month our theme has been on self-reflection. Defined in Oxford Dictionary as “meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives”, practicing self-reflection has major benefits to an entrepreneur. To read more about those benefits, check this article here. Now maybe you’ve heard the benefits of self-reflection but aren’t sure what to ask. Below are 5 questions entrepreneurs can ask for self-reflection.
These 5 questions are based on a great technique, known as the G.L.A.D. technique. In case you’ve never heard of the G.L.A.D. technique, it is a mindfulness/self-reflection practice that helps to improve concentration, reduce stress, and boost positivity. It was developed by Donald Altman, a therapist and former monk. And seriously, what can be better for your mental wellness than a practice created by a therapist and monk?! You can read more about the benefits here .
I love the strategy and taught several clients because it is free, simple and effective( and who doesn’t love that?). However, for Black female entrepreneurs, I have slightly modified it. Using my modified G.L.A.D.D. technique provides 5 distinct questions Black female entrepreneurs can ask themselves as part of their daily or weekly self-reflection practice.
Question #1
G: “What can I express gratitude for?”
As an entrepreneur, we’re often looking at the areas of lack: knowledge, staff, funds, or confidence. This tends to be especially true in the startup phase of the business, when these areas are often the most challenging. However, focusing on all of the areas in which things are wrong or “not enough” often creates internal stress and pressure. Gratitude assists you in focusing on what is “right” and “good” as part of the journey. Consider things such as experiences (going to a networking event), milestones (presenting for the first time) and connections (like a friend who hyped you up).
Question #2
L: What have I learned about myself or business?
While this can be about something you formally learned, such as taking an assessment like the DiSC or CliftonStrengths Assessments, I encourage you to look much deeper. Consider non-formal learning, like insights from outcomes or results you didn’t expect. It can be something about the way that you prepared for meeting, a step you want to include in a system or procedure, or how something may have impacted you during an interaction. Identifying what you have learned will assist in guiding BOSS decision-making and
Question #3
A: What did I accomplish that I am proud of?
Now this is the time to let bravado shine through and talk yo’ shit! Think about the things you were able to do both big and small. Maybe you finally wrote that article for your blog (that took over 2 years to cross off my list!), or maybe you engaged in self care and scheduled that check up. Maybe it was that you were able to remain calm and strategic in a stressful situation. Look beyond the accomplishment of only “tasks” and consider experiences that reinforce positive behaviors.
Question #4
D: What did I delight in that made me smile?
Often within our entrepreneurial journey, it is the things that go wrong, that seem to scream the loudest. In your time of self reflection, seeking out what you are able to delight in may be a lot quieter but no less impactful. A delight can be over an interaction or an “Ah ha!” moment. Another way to think of delight is to consider the emotion of joy. Science has shown the focus on cultivating more joy can improve our sense of happiness. I recently found this Joy Generator created by NPR, as a means to guide people through the different ways to create delight. Give it a try!
And lastly, my bonus question…
Question #5
D: What did I delegate so I can work smarter, not harder?
Delegation tends to be an area entrepreneurs, especially new entrepreneurs, struggle with. Now if you’re the only employee in your business, you might think well, I don’t have anybody to delegate to. But in reality, unless you live on a deserted island, there are other people you can delegate things to. You could delegate grocery shopping to Instacart or begin utilizing AI to complete or simplify tasks, or an errand to a friend or family member. Beginning to build comfort and confidence in taking things off your plate, no matter how small, is practice for hiring future staff. If you need tips on how to delegate as an entrepreneur, Inc. has a great article that could be helpful.
Alright, quick recap, the 5 questions are:
- What can I express gratitude for?
- What have I learned about myself or business?
- What did I accomplish that I am proud of?
- What did I delight in that made me smile?
- What did I delegate so I can work smarter, not harder?
This modified G.L.A.D.D. technique is a great way to begin practicing questions for self reflection within your business. You can do it daily or weekly. Either way, it encourages you to be intentional about the way you view your business and yourself as an entrepreneur. The goal is to remain rooted in the positive aspects of the journey. Doing this can help to reduce stress, minimize burnout and build confidence.
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