Self Evaluation

We are often very tolerant toward ourselves and we have the tendency to consider ourselves as "good people". In fact, we are good. You are good! That cannot be otherwise because it is God who created you. Even more... He has created you in His own image and likeness! And that is not your own merit, but a free gift from God. That doesn't mean though that you are already a totally perfect and accomplished person. Oh, no!

When God gave you life, He gave you freedom. When He created you, He gave you everything you would need, not only to live but also to grow to the fullness of your being. But your growth depends mostly of you, and you need to learn to be responsible of your actions, your thoughts, your desires, as well as your character, your spiritual life and the development of your personality. Because it is only you who can make your gifts and your talents grow, and take responsibility for your life.

This is quite a challenge!

In order to reach your fulfilment, you need to develop your willpower and learn to submit your body to your will. It is your will and the strength of your character that will determine the kind of use you will give to all the talents that God has given you. You are free to act, with all that your actions may entail. Are you going to make those gifts grow, or... are you going to destroy them?

To know if you are "good", if it is really you who take responsibility for your life, and not the circumstances... don't look for the answer in the compliments that people may extend to you, but do yourself, regularly, your own evaluation, your own "check-up".

How can you do that?

According to the orientation you plan to give to your life, establish your own time schedule for each day and try to follow it. Then... make up a list of activities. For example:

- your common actions (eating, bathing, sleeping, etc.);
- your primary duties and obligations (studying, working, family life, etc.);
- your effort to perform your duties regularly and conscientiously;
- your intellectual, cultural and spiritual development;
- your activities at the service of others, your parents, your friends, etc.;
- your attitude toward your activities and your reasons for performing them;
- your leisure time, sports, TV, others;
- your rest and relaxation, etc.

Then, each evening:

- evaluate the time that you have consecrated to each of these activities;
- check if you have accomplished your schedule for the day;
- if not, what are the reasons that prevented you from following your schedule to the end;
- prepare the precise schedule for the next day.

By acting this way, you will always have a precise idea of what you are and where you are going. This knowledge will allow you to control your progress and correct your mistakes. This is necessary in order to grow while keeping your eyes straight forward on reality.

Likewise, this will allow you to acquire a certain austerity and become mature and responsible. And you will not need any more flattering to know that you are someone really good!.. So, think about it, and...

take a hold of your life!