How well do you really know yourself? It’s not just a question for philosophers and psychologists. If you want to learn and grow, it’s important to understand your abilities and passions.
Modern life is full of distractions, but it’s worth the effort to check in with yourself more often, because self-knowledge and self-awareness are the foundation for emotional intelligence.
Try these strategies to help you shift your focus inward.
Benefits of Greater Self-Knowledge:
- Make sounder decisions. It’s easy to develop habits and spend much of our life on autopilot. When you examine your motives, you empower yourself to make changes and act more deliberately.
- Enjoy more happiness. When you create a life that aligns with your values, you’ll experience more peace and satisfaction. You can go after what brings you joy.
- Be authentic. Imagine accepting yourself and realizing that you are worthy just as you are. You can take risks and interact with others on a genuine level instead of trying to cover up your perceived weaknesses.
- Find deeper fulfillment. Do you spend more time trying to live up to external obligations rather than pursuing what you want out of life? Knowing yourself can be the first step to honoring your own priorities and devoting yourself to meaningful activities.
Strategies for Increasing Your Self-Knowledge:
- Evaluate feedback. Others may view you differently than you see yourself. Be open to constructive criticism, and use it to make positive changes.
- Monitor your emotions. Your feelings may be telling you what direction to take. Pay attention to the events that make you happy or angry.
- Recognize times of flow. Do you lose yourself in your work or your hobbies? Identify the activities that leverage your strengths and help you to perform at your peak.
- Take personality tests. The internet is full of quizzes that promise to reveal your dream career or relationship style. As long as you take them with a grain of salt, they may give you some valuable ideas.
- Start a journal. Memories may fade, but a written record gives you a more reliable tracking device. Writing about your daily life allows you to observe yourself and spot patterns.
- Meditate and pray. Mindfulness helps you to still your thoughts and look below the surface. Discover the spiritual practices that teach you to understand yourself and your purpose.
Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles to Self-Knowledge:
- Think objectively. It’s natural to have some biases when you’re looking at yourself. Challenge yourself to be brave and honest. Try to see situations from multiple perspectives.
- Learn from experience. Mistakes are more attractive when you turn them into learning opportunities. Focus on what you can do differently next time.
- Cultivate support. Surround yourself with family and friends who encourage you to reach your potential. You’ll probably feel more comfortable looking at yourself when you feel accepted and secure. Give each other opportunities to express your true feelings, and receive validation as you journey along your own paths.
- Embrace change. Knowing yourself is more like an ongoing process than a one-time event. Remain flexible so you can adapt to new circumstances. While your values may be constant, there are times when it’s necessary to adjust your approach.
- Avoid overthinking. There’s a distinction between self-knowledge and self-absorption. Excessive contemplation can sometimes be a way to avoid taking action, so aim for balance.
- Try counseling. If you feel stuck, consider working with a professional. Even a brief time in therapy could lead to a breakthrough on long-standing issues.