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When talking with families, I often suggest that they take inventory of their possessions, the things or “stuff” they have purchased or been given, the “stuff” that surrounds them.  When speaking to organizations or companies, it is always suggested that they take an inventory of personnel, not a head count, but an inventory of skills.  When speaking to individuals, one of the first activities we do is to take a personal inventory. 

Just so we cover all the bases, it is suggested that everyone take the time to perform an inventory of all possessions.  There are several reasons, not the least of which are in case of a fire or a burglary.  We will discuss taking inventory of your “stuff” in another upcoming post. 

For today, I am strongly suggesting that everyone who reads this get a pencil and paper and begin a personal inventory.  We must know what we have to work with before we decide where to begin and where to head. 

I keep a very personal journal of my skills, my talents, and my weaknesses, those bits that need improvement.  As we begin to take our personal inventories, once again I am going to remind you to have the courage to face the truth.  In other words, for this exercise in particular, be honest about your positive attributes and be honest about the things you need to work on.

This is one opportunity for you to toot your own horn.  Don’t be shy about it.  But, don’t exaggerate your skills.  And, don’t beat yourself up.  Just list those things on which you need to work.

As an example of some of my personal inventory, I listed as an asset my ability and love of public speaking.  On the ”Needs Improvement” side of the page, I listed keeping on schedule.  Why did I list those attributes?  First of all my background has been in motivational speaking and I love it!  I have been called a “rare bird” because I am one of those lucky people who can make my butterflies get into formation when I speak before large groups of people.  

As an aside, let me say that I believe in luck when defined as “where opportunity and preparation meet.”  Of course, I get butterflies before walking to the front of a large group to speak.  Butterflies are a good thing.  They keep me sharp.  But, I have learned to harness the sharpness by getting my butterflies to fly in formation.  In other words, I am prepared.  I am comfortable with my topics.  I have had practice in public speaking and I have “know how.” 

Are you getting the idea?  Each of us have knowledge of something.  My particular knowledge comes from years of goal setting, working with others to set goals, and leading discussion groups on the subject. 

The question of the day is what are your assets or attributes?  Make an inventory of all those assets and attributes that are positive, that will enhance you in life and in the workplace.  It’s quite okay to leave humility on the side of the page for this exercise.  Just be honest.  If you were President-Elect Barack Obama you would list public speaking as one of your major assets and perhaps getting people to work together for a common cause.

On the side of the page that states “Needs Improvement” don’t beat yourself up.  Just list those things that you need to work on to complement your positives.  My example of needing to stay on schedule is a good one.  When speaking to groups of people I usually have the time element under control.  However, when interacting, questions and answers or discussions, I tend to go a little long on time.  It is difficult for me to end an interesting learning session when everyone is participating. 

If you write well and have a decent vocabulary, you may wish to put writing in your asset category.  One caution in this column, do not list those things you wish you did well.  Wishing won’t make it so!  Put those items in the needs improvement category.

Why do we need to create a personal inventory?  Well, it could lead to a job or perhaps you can create a business from what you learn about yourself.

One example of a successful story that came from a personal inventory happened several years ago in Colorado.  I have a friend who divorced and was left with two young children to support.  She had been a stay at home mom since the birth of her first child.  Frantic when she discovered that she had limited alimony and her ex-husband had become a little erratic in paying his child support, she called me one afternoon.  I could barely understand her through the sobs.  We made an appointment to meet the next day at her house while the children were in school.

As Cathy began to create her asset list and her weakness list, she decided that she was going to have to give up her home and move the kids to an apartment, that she would have to go back to work as a receptionist in a doctor’s office (her job before marriage) and that she would have to find after school care for her children.  As Cathy wrote her lists, she began to cry again.  She couldn’t see her way. 

First of all, Cathy was not willing to look at her situation from a positive perspective.  As long as you look for a bleak future, I will guarantee that you will find one.  Remember:  With every adversity there is a seed of equivalent or greater benefit.  You have to look for it.

While Cathy was bemoaning her bleak future, I was taking notes of the assets that she had that she didn’t recognize.  Cathy has a bubbly personality most of the time.  People like her.  People trust her.  She knew lots of doctors who worked long hours.  Cathy knew many of the doctors’ wives.  Oh, yes!  And while Cathy was married she loved to shop! 

Of course, Cathy was listing such items as good at organizing an office, good on the telephone, good at scheduling.  In her needs improvement list, Cathy listed shopping.  She needed to stop shopping so much.  My response was maybe, or maybe not.

Within an afternoon, Cathy had a plan for her future.  It came with no guarantees and it would take courage and action.  Cathy began a shopping service for doctors.  She did everything from shopping for gifts for wives and kids (she had a lot of help from her kids) to setting up medical events.  Today she has seven full time employees and about a dozen part time helpers.  We will discuss Cathy’s business more in the future. 

But, for today, take inventory of yourself.  Know yourself.  Have the courage to face the truth.  Be honest.  List the positive and the negative.  This exercise is not designed as a “feel good” something to do.  It is a starting point for all that you can do in your future.  So, don’t fool yourself. 

After you make your inventory, put the paper or journal aside for a while.  Then come back and read it again.  You may want to make some changes or add a few more items.  Be sure to complete the inventory and keep it handy.  If you are going to recreate your reality, you have to know where to start and the tools you have.