Self Discovery Tips to Help You Appreciate Yourself More
Are there days when you secretly believe you aren’t really anyone special? Maybe you’re not world-famous, but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t a unique person worthy of appreciation. All too often, we focus on our weaknesses.
It’s good to have a self-improvement strategy, but it’s also important to appreciate the things about yourself that you’re getting right. Not sure what those are? Let’s look at some ways to get to know yourself and appreciate yourself more.
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Do a Personality Test
If you’re looking for an unbiased analysis of your personality, it’s worth trying the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test. Don’t make the mistake of thinking this boxes you in and classify you without recognizing your individuality. The 16 personality types it recognizes are broad indications of who you are, what you like and don’t like, your strengths, and your weaknesses. Even within a personality type, it recognizes variation.
For instance, if your test designates you as an ENTP personality type based on the four characteristics it measures, it also recognizes that there are no absolutes. ENTPs are extroverts, but that’s not to say you don’t also have introverted characteristics. The test shows a percentage, and you may be rated as markedly extrovert, middle-of-the-road, or only leaning slightly towards extroversion. Understanding yourself better helps you to appreciate yourself more, so this is a good start.
Self Discovery Tips: Spend Time Focusing on Positives
It’s a great idea to spend part of your day in restful contemplation. That means taking a break from all the things that bug you and thinking about good things – or even not thinking at all. Use some of that time for self-awareness. Be kind to yourself. What’s good with you? What achievements have demonstrated your strengths as a person?
Many of us were raised to be self-effacing, but that doesn’t mean we should stop liking ourselves – so cut the guilt and celebrate the best aspects of the person you! You absolutely should do this every day. It’ll work wonders towards improving your self-image. Need an altruistic reason for self-congratulation? It’s impossible to appreciate others properly if you don’t appreciate yourself.
Remember Kind Words From Others
It’s all-too-easy to dwell on unkind words and criticisms. Whether or not these were justified, you need to balance them with the compliments people have paid you. Just as nobody is perfect, nobody is all bad. Think about the reasons why your friends enjoy your company. Perhaps you’re a good listener, a kind friend, or have a great sense of humor.
As an employee, a spouse, or a parent, you will certainly have your faults, but you also have strengths. People you know have felt strongly enough about your positive qualities to compliment you on them from time to time. Those comments are gold. Treasure them and turn them into compliments you pay yourself. Improving your self-confidence by actively striving to look and feel your best will help you to be happier and may even contribute to you realizing your personal potential.
Keep a Journal
You don’t have to be a great writer to keep a journal, but it can help you discover yourself and improve your priorities. When writing, write only for yourself. Don’t worry about the things others think you should say – say how you feel. Reading back, later on, you may be surprised to see a common thread that runs through the things that make you happy and the things that make you unhappy.
Sounds like a no-brainer? The fact is that when we’re in situations, it’s hard to think about them impartially. You end up not being able to see the woods for the trees. Need a simple example?
At one point in my life, I was in a job that I only did because I absolutely had to. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how unhappy it was making me. Reading things I’d written in my journal a couple of months previously made me realize that a change was desperately needed. That realization led me to take action in a reasoned way instead of waiting for a crisis or meltdown that could have led to bad choices.
Self Discovery Tips: You are a Person, Not a Role
When we are very outwardly focused, we’re often inclined to forget that we need to be kind to ourselves too. We’re busy taking care of the kids, achieving recognition at work, or doing our best to be a good spouse. These roles are important, and they do need attention – but not at the cost of neglecting ourselves, recognizing our needs, and celebrating our achievements.
Spend a little time on your journey of self-discovery and strive for balance. If you think life is about continuous self-improvement, that’s great, but before you can build on your strengths and guard against your weaknesses, you need to be your own best friend.
