Blind spots refer to areas your eyes cannot see.  In personal and professional development, blind spots are important items for which you are personally unaware about yourself.  Discovering your blind spots is a powerful tool for positive growth opportunities.  A simple exercise to identify your blind spots is by asking someone you trust, “What are you seeing that I’m not seeing?”

This exercise can be applied to your daily actions, attitude, leadership skills, work performance, communication, habits, and the list goes on and on and on.  Whether you realize it or not, there are areas of your life that you can improve, and you may not even realize it!

Take a minute and think about a critical area of your life, or perhaps an important task or project you are currently working.  Answer these 5 questions.

  1. Is it necessary that I succeed or improve?
  2. Is there someone I trust who is able give accurate and honest feedback?
  3. Am I able to receive critical feedback without defensiveness and bitterness?
  4. Am I able to receive critical feedback with gratitude and a positive mindset for self-growth?
  5. Will I act logically when reflecting on the feedback I receive and make necessary changes where applicable?

If you cannot answer yes to all of these questions this exercise will not benefit you.  If you can anwser “yes,” now begin your journey by asking your trusted individual, “what are you seeing that I’m not seeing?” This is a process that requires a high level of emotional intelligence and an unwavering belief that the pursuit of growth in the most important areas of life far out way any uncomfortable moments that highlight your flaws.

You may think you know your weaknesses, bad habits, or annoying tendencies, but without asking for help you will never know your blind spots.   Are you strong enough to shine a light on your blind spots?  If the answer is “yes,” then you will possess an ability to equip yourself with a skillset that will open up endless opportunities!