An Interview with Your Favorite Person - Yourself

When was the last time you had a good conversation with yourself? I mean a full-on, I’m a crazy person, talking out loud, discussion with yourself?

You actually talk to yourself all the time. Most of it is subconscious, and a lot of it is negative and cautionary. But what about taking the time to really ask yourself some serious questions?

The Interview

It’s our very nature to think of ourselves first. Often, we do for others, but it’s important to look out for our own dreams and goals.

Good interviewers ask basic questions. Great interviewers ask poignant questions, those that get to the real soul of the person. We usually think we know ourselves pretty well. To really get to know yourself - your hopes, dreams, fears - you have to ask. I know it sounds crazy, but it works.

Set aside some time when you won’t be disturbed. Put on some music - something calming. Get out some paper and a pen, and begin interviewing yourself. You can also use a voice recorder, but a computer may hinder the process. It may be too tempting to fire up your browser or IM client in the middle of the discussion. I mean, you’re talking to yourself, and you don’t mind. But stick to paper and pen or a recorder.

Then just start asking and answering questions - out loud. This is why you should be alone. You don’t want someone calling the asylum on you. You’re going to feel stupid and you’re going to feel weird. That’s okay and natural.

Just ask and answer - really do it right. Think of it as for a podcast or TV morning show. The better the questions, the more reflective you get, and the more insightful the answers.

The subject can be specific, or all over the place. This is your interview and the ultimate goal is to really get to know who you are today. It’s too common to assume we are the same person we were a year ago, or 10 years ago.

By taking some time to talk to yourself, you can move through blocks that hinder your productivity, financial situation, and outlook. It’s one of the best ways to get to know the person closest to you - the real you.

Tony D. Clark writes, draws cartoons, designs software and websites, and spends a lot of time talking others into working from home, being creative, and doing what they love. His blog Success from the Nest helps people to design and run a home-based business that is in line with their unique gifts, values, personality, and world-view - all served up with humor and cartoons.