I made a comprehensive list of my personal attributes; the good, the bad, and the technical. As I look at it on the screen, I notice I have some emotional attachments to these self-perceptions. Recognizing this allows me to set those emotions aside, which is crucial because I want to approach my attributes like mathematical functions, a more left-brain approach.
Skill mapping is a simple yet powerful way to start listing your attributes. I rate my skills on a 0–10 scale and use a spreadsheet to organize this process. The spreadsheet contains a few essential columns: one for the category (such as programming or communication skills), another for the specific skill, a third for my self-rating, and a fourth for a brief description providing context for the number. Without that explanation, a “7” could mean anything. Recording these details helps me understand my evolving self-perception as I review the spreadsheet each month and consider which skills to invest in next.
Grouping attributes is an excellent method for determining what type of business to start or what grand art installation to create. This exercise is both humbling and enlightening, revealing hidden gaps and acknowledging opportunities for growth. Whether in business, life, or any pursuit of excellence, understanding your true abilities is a core competency.
Be brutally honest and update your assessments regularly. (I do it monthly.)
