SWOT analysis

The commn tool for self-knowledge is the SWOT analysis. You may be familiar with it as a technique for decision-making in a corporate or political environment. But it can easily be applied to your own person. In four quadrants, it maps the current situation and future developments. The positives and the negatives. External factors and internal ones. It is, therefore a comprehensive tool for assessing where you stand.

Want to do your own SWOT analysis?

All you need is a pencil, paper and a clear head.

Procedure

1. Divide the paper into four parts to match the drawing.
   
   
2. The first quadrant maps your strengths. Answer the questions:
   
   • What am I good at?
   • What do I like to do?
   • What trait do I consider to be above average?
     
     
3. In the second quadrant, try to assess your weaknesses. The questions will help you:
   
   • What do I need to work on?
   • What am I not feeling good about?
   • Where do I feel there is room for improvement?
     
     
4. In the next step, see what opportunities you have. These may stem from your strengths. You need to be able to identify them. Use questions:
   
   • What do I want to achieve?
   • What are my options?
   • Where can I find other opportunities?
     
     
5. The last part is threats that can help you prepare for a situation when things are unplanned. You need to react to them in time. Find the answers to the questions:
   
   • What can threaten me on my journey?
   • What could go wrong?
   • What would have to happen for it to fail?
     
     
6. The top boxes contain internal factors - your competencies, attitudes and opinions. These things are in your hands so that you can influence them.
7. The lower fields map external factors, often, they can't be influenced much, but you can react to them. Be prepared for them.
8. Don't forget to review at the end what the analysis shows for you and what your next step should be.

TIP! If you want to be prepared for threats, add how you can prepare for or prevent them.