subject: Understanding Yourself [print this page] It often happened that I would commit to achieve something which I felt was achievable, but would fail to do so. This would really frustrate and de-motivate me leading to a very low self-esteem, and I stopped believing in myself. Till one day I realized that there was nothing wrong with my persona, but it was because I was attempting to achieve the unachievable. I had thought myself to be a lion which I was not, in reality. I lacked a realistic understanding of myself and my capabilities which led me into depression..
Understanding yourself leads you to accept yourself the way you are, and in turn makes you a very happy person. You can't direct the wind, but you can definitely adjust your sails. Life will take its own course, and you cannot control it, but if you understand yourself, you can enjoy life to the fullest.
How to understand yourself
Step1: The first step toward understanding yourself is to accept that you exist. Each one of us is unique and worthwhile, in our own special ways. We matter to our close associates and family, and we have a say in everything we do. Begin with understanding the need to understanding yourself. You are very important both for yourself and to others and you have to make your life worthwhile for yourself as well as others.
Step2: Now you need to delve into your persona to understand the real YOU, without any pretensions. Analyze the way you feel about yourself. You could start with answering a few questions like:
What do you want from your life?
Do others perceive you the way you want them to?
How much are you capable of achieving?
Are you living your life or are you just going through it?
What makes you really happy?
Have you ever felt joyful or has life's harshness caused you to lose the innocent little child within?
In trying to understand yourself as much as you appreciate your strengths you also need to recognize your weaknesses. Rather than denying or shying away from your flaws, you could help yourself better by accepting them and working, on them if possible. Build an honest and wholesome picture of yourself.
Step3: Once you understand yourself, you can always work to better yourself, but it should be by choice and not as a compulsion. Remember there is no reason for you to be any different from what you are. Understanding yourself means being comfortable with what you are and realizing your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you live better and believe that you are loveable and capable.
Life is filled with wonders. You need to discover yourself before you can discover life's wonders. Always remember that life is like the little seed in the cup. It will always have the roots going down and the plant going up. We will never know why this happens but we like it that way. You are what you are. Your understanding of yourself will only help you to love yourself deeper.
