Reflected Best Self Analysis

In completing the Reflected Best Self Exercise, I feel I not only have a better understanding of my strengths but also a better understanding of how others view my strengths. My best self portrait shows the underlying factors that show who I am and I see many aspects of it present in my every day life. Everyday is a battle with anxiety and depression, but a battle I win. I do not let my anxiety make me back down from what I stand for or what I believe is right, and my depression will not limit my opportunities to achieve my goals. I work hard every day, studying, taking notes, learning and adapting my knowledge, because I am focused and motivated to do well in school. I juggle multiple tasks everyday involving both schoolwork, stuff at home,

and helping out friends halfway across the country. I take the time everyday to make sure my friends who need support have someone to talk to. The multitude of these tasks don’t overwhelm me because I keep everything meticulously organized and I plan ahead. I write everything in my planner, on my calendar, and on reminder sticky notes; I never forget to do something that needs to be done. My portrait is a prime example of who I am as a person everyday, but is even stronger in many different contexts.
My best-self is stimulated to emerge when I can help others.

Whether it be giving a Band-aid, a hug, or some advice, caring for others brings me satisfaction and fulfillment. I really want to connect with the people around me and make them feel the best they can be. My best self also emerges when I am facing a challenge. Even if I am stressed, the motivation to do well, word hard, and succeed prevails over the worry. I become laser-focused and I let nothing get in my way of finishing the job to the best of my ability. I put 110% effort into everything I do because nothing would be worth accomplishing if you didn’t give it your all; I would feel no pride in subpar work. These are all some of my enablers; what enable me to be my best self. However, I also have many blockers, or things that prevent me from being my best self. My best self is blocked by certain relationships. When I work with people who do not believe in working their hardest or who take advantage of me, I am held back from achieving my goals. Since there is often no assigned leader, I can not force them to do their work. I believe in a fair and equal distribution of work and balanced relationships although I do acknowledge that people have different work attitudes. My best self is especially hindered by my anxiety with strangers or large groups of people. In those situations, I become frustrated because my fear dominates my strengths of drive, hard work, and leader/mediator. I do not voice my opinion and become a follower rather than a

leader.
To overcome the obstacles that block me from being my best self, I need to change my behavior and instead face my fears and become more assertive. To overcome the relationship block, I need to become more assertive and persuade those that may conflict with my work ethic to put forth more effort and do their part. To overcome my fears of talking to strangers or large groups, I will have to expose myself to my fears until I can adapt learn to embrace it. If I can slowly become used to the situation, it could potentially become a future strength.
In order to be my best self I will strengthen the bonds with the people around me. Most of my fulfillment and happiness is directly connected to caring for and giving to people. I will know I am at my best when those I support and empower are happy and go on to achieve their own goals. However, I will make sure to consider my interests as well so that I do not neglect my personal well being or allow others to walk over me. I will know I am at my best when I have a mutual support network that I can offer support to and in turn will support me. I will know I am at my best when I have surrounded myself with people that I can rely on. I will continue to expand my network to further my growth. I will be assertive and take control of the things that are important to me; I will not let my mental health run my life for me. I will reach for positions that have a leadership capability and I will know I am my best self when I can control my fear/anxiety and successfully conduct a business meeting on my own. I will view myself in a better light and not undervalue my worth or my achievements. I will know I am at my best when I can feel unconditionally proud of myself and my hard work without feeling substandard. To be my best self, I will be well-organized and prepared to deal with life, even when it throws a curveball. I will know I am my best self when even under stress I can be calm and prepared to confront the challenge head on.
Structured contexts or situations which have lots of rules or regulations could help me maximize the potential of my best self. My best work is done when I know exactly what my expectations are and although the lack of creativity is somewhat boring, having solid deadlines or schedules gives me a sense of security and confidence in how I got about work. I can worry less about preparing for sudden workplace or classroom environment changes and instead get into a routine where I can maximize efficiency and then work at my fullest potential.