Finding fulfillment through self discovery
INTRODUCTION
In the previous few years, personal development has been increasingly popular. Folks are looking for a greater grasp of who they are and how they may improve their lives, whether it be through books, podcasts, or inspirational documentaries. Self-discovery is a big aspect of this personal development movement.
Self-discovery has traditionally been defined as learning something new about yourself, which would be a simple concept. Self-discovery is usually associated with taking a personality test like Myers-Briggs or doing some soul-searching to figure out your desired job.
However, self-discovery includes much more than determining your personality type or choosing the ideal employment. Self-discovery pervades practically every issue of personal growth. Whereas the preceding examples do fit under this category, many people are unaware of how deep self-discovery can go when examining these aspects of personal development.
WHAT IS SELF DISCOVERY?
Self-discovery is a lifelong journey into our inner selves with the objective of learning who we are, our potential, and our life's purpose, as well as what basic principles are guiding us along various paths. The path begins with self-awareness, then moves on to personal hobbies, as well as future goals and dreams. The path leads to self-awareness, which allows us to orient ourselves toward situations and experiences where we will thrive.
Self-discovery is an essential component of human growth. We must take the time to discover who we are as people. Self-reflection is used to accomplish this. Self-reflection allows us to consider and assess our actions, preferences, sentiments, values, beliefs, emotions, and inclinations. Because we all think, feel, act, learn, and see the world in different ways, it is beneficial to take the time to reflect in order to develop a better understanding of ourselves. Self-discovery is a process that allows us to learn about our own personalities, natural preferences, values, beliefs, preferred styles, and tendencies. Finding out who we are and what makes us unique is the ultimate goal of our trip.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-DISCOVERY
Consider the repercussions of failing to recognize our true selves to understand why self-discovery is so vital.
According to Horney (1950), when a person's lived and real selves diverge significantly, they are likely to feel alienated from themselves. Even if the person is successful in their pursuits and obtains external benefits, this remains true.
"Why am I doing this when it's not who I truly am?" such a person would think constantly. If we fail to live up to an idealized image of ourselves that we cannot be, we will feel guilty or dissatisfied.
Aside from the unpleasant emotional toll, chasing such an ideal has the disadvantage of being based on externally generated criteria of worth.
When we are on our own personal journeys, we are frequently looking for our true selves. Looking at our beliefs, inherent talents and abilities, passions, capacities, and what inspires us may all be part of this personal journey. All of these things (and many others) are part of the process of self-discovery.
Things learned during the self-discovery phase can be applied to various aspects of our lives. Examine our personal relationships. We come to accept ourselves more as a result of self-discovery, and we worry less about others' approval as a result. We may become more at ease with ourselves, which may drive people away. Yet we have fewer people in our lives, those who have left us are usually people who are too critical of us, impose their own agenda on us, or are generally miserable. Instead, those folks will be replaced by people who adore us for who we are and will become.
Self-discovery is equally crucial in our professional lives. How often have you heard people complain about their jobs? When this happens, it's usually because they were influenced by someone else or because they didn't know what they wanted to do with their lives. Self-discovery not only assists us in identifying our strengths, but also in determining how to best utilize and develop them. It is easier for people to absorb and accept information when they know what they are enthusiastic about. As a result, we discover pathways that we enjoy and will make us happy.
Not only that, but self-discovery can also assist us in being physically healthier. Self-discovery clearly benefits us mentally, but it can also have a negative impact on our physical health. It's not impossible that as we gain a better understanding of ourselves, we will acquire a profound respect and care for our bodies. We gradually become more aware of what we eat, which is why some individuals consider morning walks and gym days to be self-care. Those are definitely key factors in leading a healthier lifestyle.
However, while all of these factors are significant, many people are unaware of them and suffer as a result. When people don't understand themselves, they may believe that their lives are useless and that they are miserable in numerous ways. People who don't know themselves frequently lack control over their emotions and decisions, allowing them to be influenced by outside forces. People dress according to what others are wearing or what they believe is "in." People will act and participate in particular activities because they see others doing so.
In the end, if you don't engage in self-discovery, others with whom you socialize or society in general will determine your goals, core beliefs, and values. Self-discovery is crucial for this reason, as well as the others described above.
SELF DISCOVERY TIPS
(1) Be your strongest supporter and advocate. As you progress through life, make it a priority to focus on your personal and professional development.
(2) Keep a written record of your comments to explain and memorialize them. A "self-discovery" notebook could be helpful. Make a note of the date for future reference.
(3) Keep in mind that this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Your responses will most certainly alter as you progress through life, as will your hopes and dreams.
Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.
Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens. – Carl Jung