Do you know yourself?

Do you know yourself?

Most certainly, right?

It is impossible not to because we have been living with ourselves for a long time. But does that mean you really know yourself?

Let me rephrase the question.

Haven’t you been in situations where you behave like, well, not you? Or haven’t you found out accidentally that you are good at something while trying it out for fun? Or, more curiously, did you imagine that you would be where you are now ten years before?

If you have answered yes, yes, and no, like me, we have something curious in our hands: ourselves. We are now forced to doubt the belief that we know the edges of our personality. Our responses prove to us that the caricature we drew of ourselves doesn’t resemble us.

Why should I?

Admittedly, we don’t know everything about ourselves. But is it a problem?

I think it is. For one, we wouldn’t be living up to our full potential if we didn’t know ourselves fully. Imagine Einstein never discovering his potential and spending his whole professional life in the patent office.

Second, living without self-knowledge would create an unnameable frustration irking us throughout our life. Ignorance feels like wandering in a hostile landscape with no Google map to guide us.

Third, we would feel like strangers to ourselves. The unpredictability and fear of living with an unknown person don’t need any explanation. What if we feel like imposters in our skin?

What should I do?

A few steps might help:

Try self-observation

Self-observation is a method used in clinical psychology where you observe yourself in the second person. Such a detached view can reveal a lot about oneself. A good approach is to see yourself as a child and observe intently in which directions your talent develops. Give enough opportunities for yourself to show off your skill to yourself.

Sample different fields

Come out of your comfort zone and try something you have not tried before. Maybe something clicks, and you might find a new interest. Even if you don’t, your experimentation will broaden your horizon.

Ask around

People are good at evaluating others. You can ask your close ones about your talents and abilities. Sometimes they see something in you that you have never perceived.

Give yourself time

Everything needs time to grow and flourish. Be kind and give yourself enough time and chances to prove your worth.

Find your easy job

People differ so much in their preferences and abilities. Something that I find difficult would be very easy for you, and vice-versa. Find that which is easy and enjoyable for you.

Find yourself

In a rapidly evolving world, those who are unsure of themselves will be carried in different directions by the waves of change. Self-knowledge anchors us.

Life becomes easier with the confidence we have in ourselves. We can resist propaganda, stand our ground, and have confidence in our opinions.

Most importantly, the question ‘Do you really know yourself?’ would not appear so unsettling.

Thank you for reading. Post your opinions in the comment box below.