Unlocking Your Potential
Why CEOs Rely on This Powerful Morning Routine
A recent article from CNBC discussed the morning routine followed by Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg, during which he does a self assessment of his mood. Ranking his mood on a scale of 1 to 10, he reflects on how he can best do his job that day.
According to him, a score of:
1–2: He is not in the right mood for collaboration and will stay in his office
3–7: He is at his best and energized enough to perform well with others
8–10: He has too much energy to work well with others and tries to prioritize his work
By carrying out this assessment each day, he not only remains aware of his mood and energy levels, but he also has an opportunity to adjust them prior to beginning his work day.
This technique is more common than you may realize. It has been popularized by the “CEO Whisperer” Jerry Colonna, who calls it radical self-inquiry, and is recommended for people at every stage of their career.
What Is It?
Radical self-inquiry is not just another buzzword or trendy self-help concept.
It is a deep and introspective process that involves questioning your beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with a critical and open-minded perspective. It encourages you to explore the root causes of your thoughts and actions, enabling you to gain a better understanding of yourself and your motivations.
This practice has some incredible benefits, and it is easy to see why so many highly successful people recommend some form of it.
Heightened Self-Awareness
Starting your day with radical self-inquiry allows you to develop a heightened sense of self-awareness. By asking yourself probing questions, you become more attuned to your thoughts, emotions, and reactions. This self-awareness is the foundation of personal as well as professional growth, and can lead to a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
Asking challenging questions in the morning helps sharpen your problem-solving skills. When you face a complex issue later in the day, you’ll be better equipped to tackle it, having already practiced critical thinking and reflection during your morning routine. This can lead to improved decision-making in both personal and professional aspects of your life.
Stress Reduction
Taking time for self-inquiry each day allows you to address and release pent-up emotions and stressors. By acknowledging and processing your feelings, you prevent them from festering and becoming overwhelming. This can result in a greater sense of calm and emotional balance throughout the day.
Improved Relationships
Self-inquiry extends beyond individual introspection; it can also enhance your interactions with others. By understanding your own motivations and triggers, you gain empathy and a better understanding of those around you. This can lead to more meaningful and harmonious relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
Goal Clarity
Morning self-inquiry sessions can help you gain clarity on your goals and aspirations. By examining your values and desires, you can align your daily actions with your long-term objectives. This alignment gives your life a sense of purpose and direction, motivating you to work toward your dreams with renewed vigor.
Boosted Resilience
Life is full of ups and downs, and self-inquiry fosters resilience. By regularly challenging your thought patterns and beliefs, you develop a flexible mindset that allows you to adapt to adversity. This resilience empowers you to bounce back from setbacks and face challenges with confidence.
Enhanced Creativity
The act of radical self-inquiry often leads to enhanced creativity. As you explore new perspectives and question conventional wisdom, your mind becomes more open and innovative. This creativity can benefit you in your professional life, inspiring fresh ideas and solutions.
Personal Growth and Development
Ultimately, radical self-inquiry is a journey of personal growth and development. By consistently engaging in this practice, you evolve as an individual, constantly learning and evolving. You become more in tune with your authentic self, and this growth positively impacts all areas of your life.
TL;DR
Incorporating a method of self inquiry into your morning routine may seem like a small change, but the benefits it offers are nothing short of remarkable. The positive impact of this practice can be life-changing.
Have you already incorporated a practice like this and, if so, has it helped you in your business or personal life? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
