On auto-pilot or with direction?

How well do you know yourself? 

If you’re going to lead well, you’d better know yourself to be clear over what kind of leader you want to be. If you’re going to follow someone, you’d better know yourself, so you know your choice of leader is bringing what's genuinely right for you. 

I used to react and act without having much of an idea why. The underlying reasons were not even part of my consciousness. Sometimes, they were fears or insecurities. I frequently behaved in ways that didn’t move me towards what I wanted. I sometimes still do, of course (certainly more often than I’d like), but I have a much better idea of the cause. I also know where I want to be heading, so I can course-correct. 

Taking the time and making the effort to get to know yourself – and, crucially, to accept and appreciate everything that you are – is the bedrock of confidence. It brings the calm that lets better conversations happen. It is the foundation on which solid relationships are built and conscious choices are made. 

Auto-pilot is sometimes brilliant. It can be energy efficient, for sure. It can feel easy, even when it gives you that 'I know this isn't right' feeling. But wouldn’t it be more exciting to get curious, explore and spend more of your time feeling really alive? Even redirect those pathways in your brain and make the autopilot more about going forward than shutting down, reacting badly or hiding away?