Have you ever looked in the mirror and dislike what you saw? Do you feel a sense of discomfort, dissatisfaction, or even self loathing after looking in the mirror? Do your reflection cast a sad brood on your shoulders?
A mirror gives us a reflection of our physical looks or appearances, however, this reflection are most times filtered by our own biases, experiences, emotions and social expectations. We are sometimes overly aware of the acne spot on our forehead, our too small or too large eye balls, our not so long lashes, or could be pinker lips, our unaligned beards and so on… We see these reflections and our head drops low, with a sigh, we say; I look so plain, oh I wished I were more.
Not judgingly, we fixates our minds on our physical appearances, so much that, we forget that beyond these reflections of societal expectations, past experiences, fear and self-doubt, is a talent so raw–waiting to be developed, a power to reckon with and a transformational and innovative tool.
This write-up goes to you who is still bowing a head down in brood, hoping that after the read, your head would be back up and you will be able to find your true self.
Self Discovery; A Imperative Journey Within.
“An Unexamined Life Isn’t worth Living…Socrates”
Self discovery, an exploration of your inner self is not just one available option among many– it is a vital and unavoidable journey of learning what kind of personality one really is and what one really wants to do in life. It is a time of intentionality dedicated to learn, unlearn and relearn oneself. Self discovery highlights one’s strengths, weaknesses, passion, interests, value system ( likes and dislikes at core), talents and gifts. It set you on a course to finding and achieving a greater cause; “Purpose”
Everyone no matter how small has a purpose, a reason for our existence. You may have not just realized it yet, doesn’t mean it is not there. In the words of Dr. Myles Munroe; “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without purpose. It is a tragedy to be alive and not know why.
Pause and Reflect;
Imagine getting a cup, and the cup does all other thing but what it was made for; it attracts attention, it is glassy with intricate designs but does not hold liquids it was crafted to hold. What happens?
Let me tell you what happens, even though you are admire the cup and its designs to a great extent, there comes a day where you would remember that it is useless and then throw it into the trash.
Remember the story of Jesus and the fig tree that ended up cursed and withered. I am sure the tree was a good shade to passerby but because it missed out on an essential purpose; the provision of fruit, it was cursed.
What does it all mean? Life is an endless flow of choices and decisions, in all your decisions, do not miss out on your purpose.
Self discovery is not a destination but a forever ongoing journey that encourages one to live with intentionality and a deep sense of awareness. In a world of constant noise, social expectations, trends and pressure, it has become more important to embark on this journey. Self discovery gives us an idea of and makes us to find and embrace our authentic self, build resilience, enhance emotional intelligence and helps us understand our identity.
The journey to self discovery begins with a step which is a 360 degree assessment. Just as the degree, it is an all round developmental assessment by an individual, a close friend or a colleague.
A 360 degree assessment should not be seen in a negative light but rather, as a developmental assessment intended to help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, skills, talents and gifts to improve on them. A simple assessment test can be conducted and shared. Please I employ that you react to the feedback positively.
Tips; Sit in cool background, free from noise and do not overthink your answers as you would become defensive. Stay true to as the biggest lies by oneself. Answer for 30 minutes.
Describe yourself in a sentence (consider your personality, passion, and value)
List three qualities that makes you distinct?
What are your strengths, talents and skills ( What are you good at?)
What aspect of yourself do you want to improve on?
Under a given circumstances, what skill would you rely on most?
What activities interest you the most and why?
Describe a time you faced a significant setback or challenge, what did you learn about yourself through that experience.
If you were given 3 wishes what would they be?
It you could turn back the hands of time, what would you have or not done?
Add 55 years to your current age, write it out(__) what would you be proud to have done with your life? ( Be specific).
Congratulations!!! My friends, if you have answered honestly, you just began a journey of a thousand miles of self discovery. Remember, “Do not overlook the simplest of things, in it we find purpose!”.. Precious Christopher.
Thanks for reading, I look forward to seeing an improved version of you in my next column, bye for now!_
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