Make sure you are doing your best!
Test your caring skills with
The 7 Essentials for Caring That Makes a Difference.
Instructions:
For each question, rate yourself from 1 (Rarely) to 5 (Consistently). After each section, reflect and write down one growth step. If you want to grow your skills reply to work with me or one of my team.
Essential – The Nature to Care
- I regularly engage in spiritual practices that fill my heart (e.g., prayer, worship, Scripture). ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- My care for others flows from a spiritually full heart. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I recognize when I’m spiritually empty and take steps to be replenished. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
Essential – A Focus on Others
- I intentionally notice people around me who may need care. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I try to learn others’ stories and understand their background. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I use reminders or habits that help me focus on others. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
Essential – Your Presence
- I give people my full attention when they are speaking. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I remove distractions (e.g., phone, multitasking) when caring for someone. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- My calm and empathetic presence brings comfort to others. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
Essential – Extreme Listening
- I let others finish their thoughts without interrupting. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I ask open-ended questions that invite deeper sharing. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I reflect or summarize what others say to show understanding. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
Essential – Patient Persistence
- I do not impose my goals on this person but keep their healing process the priority. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I remain available even when progress is slow or invisible. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I do not give up on difficult or draining care relationships. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
Essential – Maintain Safeguards
- I keep confidences and do not share private information. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I know and maintain healthy emotional and relational boundaries. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I seek help or accountability when care situations become difficult. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
Essential – Be Ready
- I recognize opportunities to care in my daily routines. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I keep space in my schedule and heart to respond when needed. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
- I respond promptly and compassionately when someone needs care. ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5
📝 Growth Step: ____________________________________________
Final Reflection
Recently, which skill has most benefited you in relating to someone?
_____________________________________________________
What skill do you most need to improve?
_____________________________________________________
How will you address that need?
_____________________________________________________
A prayer for God to fill me with His love so I care as He does.
"Almighty God, my Father, I call upon You and request of You that Your live may be found in me Your servant. I know not ow to love as I ought; but You who are Love can reveal it unto me. Show me the way to Love. Amen."
From Disciplines for the Inner Life, Benson & Benson, p. 327
