We all need mirrors

There is an article in one of our papers today about self awareness.

It once again confirms the importance of knowing oneself deeply. Be it for career progress, more effective communication or deeper / meaningful relationship, I must know who I really am.

The article talks about getting feedback. But getting people to give me honest feedback is itself a challenge because the individuals’ perception are affected by the degree of their own self awareness.

BUT WE ALL NEED MIRRORS.

How I describe myself can be so different from how others describe me. The best fit is the composite description from many.

While good friends, family members, colleagues are mirrors, I should not ignore other rich sources of feedback. When someone dislikes me, criticises me, slanders me, betrays me, rejects me, I can analyse their words and our actions. Often the most useful mirrors are the truth telling ones [ugly ones].

Instead of being defensive or rationalise people’s reaction to me [or take on self pity], I analyse and consider if there might be something I can glean from the comments / actions …

Instead of specialising [like an expert] on the other party’s fault, seeing his / her faults so clearly, I should focus on knowing my own faults / weaknesses. The more I know my own idiosyncrasies and be willing to accept myself, work on reducing unhealthy thoughts, and build on the talents God has given me, the more confident I will become, without being arrogant.

The more I know myself, the less likely I will ran away from my problems. I am more likely to face up to my challenges, take responsibility of my own issues. Suicide will not be an option.

The more I know myself, the less insecure I am. I will be less likely to be caught in the midst of office politics. I will face criticism with boldness, accepting those which I know I can work on and discarding those which has no relevance.

The more I know myself, the stronger my motivation and drives. The subconscious / unconscious cannot control me. I will live my life with the head leading the tail.

The more I know myself, the more I want to know my Creator and the more I am dependent on Him.