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Who knows why it's so hard to see things about ourselves? It's like how you can't really hear the sound of your own voice, because it sounds so different from inside (literally) your own head. But if you want to really rock out in life -- or what Danielle LaPorte, author of The Fire-Starter Sessions: A Soulful and Practical Guide for Creating Success on Your Own Terms, puts a bit more precisely, "move into your zone of mastery" -- know yourself you must. LaPorte asks, are you a maven, a connector, a visionary, a promoter, or an identifier? How to pick? They all sound so good, and each is a way I'd like to describe myself, if I ever described myself in a way other than "kinda short bookish lady" or "those kids' mom" (pointing to the toddlers eating sand in the sandbox).

LaPorte acknowledges that each of these personality types are "cousins in talent," and that it can be hard to distinguish between them. So take a look at her descriptions of each. Then ask yourself: Do you love to connect people? Are you a ninja at good advice? Can you dream up a plan to solve any problem in 2 seconds flat? (And if so, can you call me?) Pinpointing which role comes most naturally to you can be an immense help, whether you are trying to make a career move, establish your brand, or just think more clearly about yourself and what you do. Hint: your response to LaPorte's post is likely to offer some clues about which role you play in life...

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