Continuing on the “who am I” train today… it’s actually a great exercise periodically.
What are three words I would use to describe myself? What are three words others would use to describe me? Are they the same?
Okay, so I was asked this recently. My three words today would be smart, committed and positive. The words sometimes change a little, depending on what’s swirling around me. You’ve probably done this too, right? If not, do it right now… stop reading and ask yourself what three words best describe you, and then come right back here. You might use words like driven, bold, pragmatic – or today’s word of the day on my dictionary app – pedagogue (I’ll save you a Google search – it’s someone who teaches). The point is to ask yourself about you – your fingerprint, your personal brand, your “thing.”
Here’s where it gets real. I ask others their three words to describe me. And not just my mom, who, let’s be honest, thinks I’m pretty close to perfect (sorry, siblings – lol). Seriously – if you’ve never done this, it’s enlightening. Ask a cross-section of people in your circle – social, work, family – what words they would use to describe you. Some of them will be very affirming… and some might be hard to hear or read. And that’s the thing about this exercise – if their words are on par with your words, great! The attributes most important to you are on strong footing. The scholars call this brand congruence. I call it me being me – can I get a “Whoo hoo!”?
If, however, you feel they’re missing the mark a bit, I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing – in fact, it’s a good point of reflection. The fact that you asked and then actually do something about it is the important part, because a lot of us just be-bop through life assuming we know what others think… not so much, for some of us. So for that, fist-bump for you.
When my circle’s words aren’t exactly what I had in mind, it’s where I start to ask myself what little changes I can make to get closer to who I want to be/think I am. Maybe it’s working on a bad habit, or remembering to be grateful.
Wish me luck on my next round of words from those in my circle, and the fine-tuning that is sure to follow.
meg.a.bits 
Okay, first, you are SO NOT the favorite in Mom’s eyes! So, that changes one of my words for you to misguided (I’m kidding). My three words for you, and I think I know you better than anybody, are compassionate, brilliant, and thoughtful. I know nobody who puts others before themselves as instinctively as you. And I have always said you are the smartest person I know. If I need an answer, I go to you first, then Google. I questioned whether to combine thoughtful and compassionate, and maybe I should have, but when I think of how thoughtful you are I think about how you always remember important days, are the first to send a card of support, and are quick to send a meal to a friend in need. I think you are AWESOME!
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Awww, I’m blushing! Very nice of you to say. And yes, if you’re going to add misguided (I’ll spin that and say I’m a dreamer), then you’ll need to combine the other two. I’ll send you my words for you – hmmm.
PS – I didn’t actually say favorite… I said she thinks I’m close to perfect. I didn’t really say how close though, and that might vary by the day. Ouch.
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