Gain Clarity: Ask for Feedback

Choose someone you know and trust who embodies excellence. It could be the person you identified earlier or someone else. (If you’re really feeling motivated, ask more than one person). Ask them to meet up face to face, with the intention of soliciting their feedback. Aim for in- person, with virtual or phone as a backup. As a last resort, communicate via email.

In your invitation, frame the conversation like this: “I’m looking to experience growth in all areas of my life, and you are someone I see as embodying excellence. I’d love to meet up with you to get some clear, honest feedback and advice.”

(A lot of excellence-minded people don’t get positive feedback. If anything, your invitation will encourage them even as you are asking for their help).

Ask them the following questions:

• Where are you seeing excellence in my life? Put another way, what qualities/habits do you see in me that are truly impressive?
• Where do you see me missing the mark?
• What habits do you have that have contributed to your success?
• What’s something I would be surprised to know about you that contributes to your success?
• Is there anything I haven’t asked that would be helpful for me to know?

At the end of the conversation, thank them for the valuable gift of their time and honesty. Reaffirm the excellence you have seen in their life, and let them know how it’s motivating you in your own journey.