I won’t beat around the bush to answer this question; Yes, knowing better oneself leads to personal fulfillment.

Before I tell you what I’m basing this statement on, I’d like to explain this introspective work of self-understanding briefly. Then, because I’m sure you’ll find getting to know yourself better useful, I’ll give you a few tips on how to go about it.

What do I mean by self-awareness?

Self-awareness, as a process of self-exploration, enables us to understand ourselves better. It’s an approach that fosters a deep, conscious understanding of who we are, our identity, the beliefs and values that underpin our personality, our strengths and weaknesses, our emotional reactions, what motivates us, what affects us, and what influences our choices and the course of our lives.

In other words, self-knowledge aims at a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of ourselves as human beings. That can be achieved through various therapeutic methods, personal practices, other reflective work, and the feedback we collect from our life experiences.

So, how does self-awareness help to fulfill our potential?

Acceptance of what is. 

Understanding what conditions our behavior and why we repeat patterns and cope with situations this way makes us more tolerant and kind to ourselves. It enables us to let go and move forward positively through the ups and downs of life.

Positive emotions management.

This kindness and understanding of ourselves helps us to step back from our emotions and take responsibility for them. In this way, we understand that we are not the victim of others or our environment and regain control over our stress, anger, anxiety, etc. It enables us to deal with these sensations positively and constructively.  

Improved relationships.

When we understand the reasons for our reactions and the message of our emotions, we are able to take a step back from our relational experiences. It promotes understanding beyond disagreements, avoids conflict, and helps develop and maintain healthy relationships. 

Positive decision-making.

Introspection and self-understanding enable us to take stock of our values, what’s most important to us, and what meaning we want to give our lives. It allows us to make decisions that align with our desires and who we are. It helps avoid frustration, resentment, and regret and promotes personal fulfillment.

Improve self-esteem and self-confidence.

Self-understanding facilitates us to live in harmony with who we really are. That is, with authenticity and self-respect. It, therefore, positively transforms how we look at ourselves, boosting our self-esteem and self-confidence. 

Personal development.

Self-knowledge is the key to personal development. It helps us to move forward positively on the path of consciousness, live the best version of ourselves, and blossom in the various areas of our lives.

So, if self-knowledge enables us to live in harmony with ourselves, find deeper meaning in our lives, and blossom, why deprive ourselves?

I will not dwell on all the resistances that sometimes prevent us from doing the introspective work necessary for our well-being and evolution. Instead, I’ll show you what you can do to get there. Because even if a little voice tells you that you’re doing just fine or know yourself perfectly well, I am sure you won’t be insensitive to the opportunity to blossom fully.

So, let me give you six tips to incorporate into your life that will support you further from where you are.

Create a routine.

Asking questions about yourself once and for all isn’t enough to get answers. Getting to know yourself takes perseverance and time. So, periodically reflect on your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and experiences. Decide on a daily, weekly, or even monthly routine that you will follow regularly, which will help you deepen your search gradually.

Decide on an environment conducive to this work on yourself.

Find a quiet, peaceful place where you can concentrate undisturbed. Eliminate distractions like the mobile phone to help you stay focused on your reflection. You’ll gain in time and quality.

Meditate or practice mindfulness.

Introspection requires mental presence, which meditation and mindfulness practice encourage. In fact, it’s the very essence of these techniques that enables us to connect with our deepest feelings and, therefore, with ourselves. So, pay attention to these routines.

Be honest with yourself.

How can you claim to know yourself if you’re untruthful with yourself? Don’t judge your thoughts and emotions: accept them and explore them confidently. This way, you’ll learn everything you need to know about yourself.

Write down your ideas in a journal.

During this period of introspection, ask yourself specific questions, such as:

• How have my past experiences shaped who I am today?
• How do my relationships contribute to my well-being?
• What are my recurring relationship patterns or problems?
• What are my strengths and weaknesses?
• What are my core values, and what do they tell me about myself?
• What do I hold on to that I could let go of to feel more peaceful?
• What areas of my life bring me the most joy and fulfillment?
• How do I handle adversity and setbacks?

Answer these questions as spontaneously as possible, and write down the thoughts and feelings that arise when reflecting on these in your diary. It will help you to clarify and analyze them.

Seek professional help.

It’s essential to recognize that it’s not only during difficult periods or when facing specific problems that you should consider turning to a therapist or life coach. Engaging with an attentive, caring, and informed outside ear can significantly enhance your journey toward self-knowledge and personal development. Professional guidance can provide valuable insights, support, and strategies to help you progress more effectively along this path.

In short.

Self-knowledge is an ongoing process that requires reflection, exploration, and openness to yourself. It’s a journey that can last a lifetime or stop and start again when needed.

Investing time in this process enables you to live in harmony with your values and needs, find meaning in your commitments and life, and flourish. 

Keep in mind that when engaging in this time of self-reflection, it’s crucial to use it constructively and maintain a sense of balance to prevent the pitfalls of overthinking. To achieve this, remind yourself to stay in a mindset that allows you to step back and analyze your thoughts, keeping yourself in the position of an observer of your own experiences.

Wishing you a rich journey of self-awareness full of delightful surprises!

Related Articles

Here are some suggestions to guide you in addressing these inquiries so that you can uncover the purpose of your existence and experience a satisfying life.Knowing your life purpose means understanding your existence’s profound meaning and direction. Sometimes, this is an intuitive process. Often, or at different times in our lives, it’s the result of a genuine inner quest that stems from reflection on ourselves, our values, our passions, our relationships, our aspirations, our contribution, and even our spirituality.

You get it; for some of us, finding the meaning of our lives requires a deep self-exploration.

By asking yourselves a few pertinent questions, as below, you will gain valuable insights and give yourself a chance to (re)discover your life’s purpose.

• What’s my main interest?
• What activity makes me lose track of time?
• What am I passionate about?
• What are my strengths and talents?
• What is my true gift? (Yes, we all have one at least!)
• What can I get paid for that matches my values and strengths?
• How can I have an impact on the world?
• At what point have I felt most fulfilled, and why?

Here are a few tips to help you answer these questions and find information that will help you discover the meaning of your life and live a satisfying and fulfilling life.

Identify what you adore doing.

Identifying what excites, engages, or even fascinates and passionates you will go a long way toward answering these questions: What’s my main interest? What am I passionate about?

Whether it’s an artistic or creative activity, helping others, teaching, or solving complex problems, the pleasure you derive from the commitment to this activity will give you a valuable indication of what you’re meant to do in life.

If, despite reflecting on your current activities, you can’t find anything that moves you, open the door to the unknown and try new activities and experiences. Eventually, you’ll find what resonates with you and brings you joy.

Identify your strengths.

Answering these questions, what are my strengths and talents, and what is my true gift, will guide you towards your life goal. I’m talking here about your skills acquired through learning and those you don’t even know you have, which come from your natural aptitudes.

How do you identify the latter? By listening to your desire to do this or that and eliminating potential limiting beliefs that make you think you won’t excel. These strengths, which you may already know or those you’ll discover through a new activity or experience, will tell you what will enable you to flourish and significantly influence the meaning you give to your life.

Define your core values.

Your core values are the principles that matter most to you. It would be best if you were aligned with them daily, weekly, or monthly to give your life meaning and fulfillment. Think about what’s most important to you in the areas of family, society, work, environment, etc., and explore which life purpose and direction best reflects and even reinforces these values. Ensure these values serve you toward a healthier, happier, more present you. It will lead you to answer the question: How can I impact the world?

Evaluate what can be rewarded.

It might not appear crucial at first glance, but it truly is. Knowing that our actions bring satisfaction and add to our own or others’ well-being is a significant advantage. Conversely, linking our sense of purpose to an endeavor that doesn’t enhance our quality of life runs the risk of causing frustration and insecurity. Over time, this can sap our motivation to start our day enthusiastically.

So, consider it as a “return on investment”! Ask yourself: What can I get paid for that matches my values and strengths? Or what activities align with my values and strengths, offering rewards beyond financial gain?

Dare and act.

Sometimes, you must dare and act to find your purpose in life. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different paths. If you know what you’re passionate about or attracted to, go for it! And if you still need to identify an area of interest, ask yourself: What makes me lose the notion of time and space? Find a course, sign up for something – in short, commit. By taking action, you’ll have a clearer idea of what drives you and, therefore, of the path you need to follow to give meaning to your life.

Keep an open mind and be patient.

Finding your life’s purpose can take time. It’s usually the result of a process that often requires adjustments along the way. So be patient. Don’t judge yourself when you feel you’re not making progress. Instead, ask yourself: When have I felt most fulfilled, and why? The answers could lead you to pinpoint moments where you were indeed on your life’s purpose but were unaware of it. And don’t hesitate to gather advice and information here and there. It will open up new perspectives and opportunities.

To conclude.

Uncovering the essence of life is a voyage that guides one toward a rewarding and meaningful existence. Like any expedition, it’s not the destination that matters most but the journey itself. So, don’t hesitate to delve deep within yourself, take risks, and take action. Explore your passions, harness your strengths, align with your values, and venture into what part of others’ lives seems exciting. Most importantly, exercise patience and perseverance, for the journey, however lengthy, is genuinely worthwhile.

Furthermore, remember that once you’ve unearthed the “why” that fuels your mornings, there may come a time when you feel a dip in motivation further along your journey. It is entirely natural, for the meaning of our lives transforms alongside our evolution. When this happens, view it as an opportunity to make the necessary adjustments and rekindle your purpose in experiencing the world anew. Embrace change, and let it be a source of ongoing inspiration on your ever-evolving path.

Related Articles

“Once upon a time, Bonnie and Clyde found themselves standing before an imposing gate, beyond which lay a realm unknown. As they gazed upon it with wonder and trepidation, they suddenly found themselves face-to-face with a mighty deity.. The deity looked upon them with a gentle smile and said, “Welcome to the land of infinite possibilities. Ask for anything, and it shall be granted.”.

With mischief gleaming in their eyes, Bonnie and Clyde exchanged a sly look and replied, – “We want to rob a bank and walk away with all its riches!”

In an instant, they were transported back to the mortal plane. A bank materialized before them, the doors swung open, and the tellers dutifully handed over every last bill.

The next day, the same question was posed to them by the deity. – “What is it that you desire today? Speak, and I shall do it.”

Without hesitation, Bonnie and Clyde responded again – “We want to pull off a daring heist and make off with a fortune!”

In an instant, they have whisked away to another bank, where they found themselves with unrestricted access to every cash box, safe, and vault.

Despite their newfound wealth, Bonnie and Clyde began to feel a creeping sense of dissatisfaction. They approached the deity with glum expressions and said – “We’re starting to feel bored and uninspired. We need something more thrilling, more challenging. This place is too easy, and we want to go to hell!”

To their surprise, the deity chuckled, smiled, and said – “My dear children, where do you think you are?”

The Pleasure is in the Journey.

 The anecdote of Bonnie and Clyde’s encounter with a deity teaches us that life’s journey and challenges make it exciting. It’s normal for things to go wrong sometimes, but the contrasts in life allow us to appreciate the good times. Also, the obstacles we encounter help us grow and learn from our experiences, and the satisfaction, joy, and even self-esteem from overcoming challenges give meaning to the effort. Meeting challenges makes us feel good and makes our lives exciting and varied.

For example, think about a time when you worked hard to achieve something. You may have had to study long hours to pass a difficult exam or work tirelessly to finish a project, and the satisfaction you felt after completing the task was immense. A journey’s pleasure lies in moments like these when progress is made and appreciated.

The risks of instant gratification.

 In today’s fast-paced world, we are used to getting what we want quickly. We have instant access to information, food, and entertainment. However, this convenience can come at a cost. Instant gratification can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness, and it can cause us to lose sight of our goals and values.

Getting everything we want immediately can ultimately lead to a sense of entitlement and merit and, therefore, to disappointment and frustration when we do not get what we want. Furthermore, instant gratification can cause us to lose sight of our goals and values, as we may focus on short-term pleasure at the expense of long-term fulfillment. Finally, unaccustomed to perseverance, we may give up easily when faced with challenges or failures.

While instant gratification may provide temporary pleasure, it can ultimately lead to dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and a lack of personal realization.

The value of challenging yourself.

Research has shown that people who practice delayed gratification have higher levels of success and satisfaction in life. For example, studies have shown that children who know how to delay gratification are likelier to do well in school, have better relationships, and be more resilient in the face of adversity. Delaying gratification teaches them to be patient, persistent, and focused on long-term goals.

Real-life tips for embracing challenges and delaying gratification.

While talking about the importance of taking on challenges and delaying gratification is easy, putting these ideas into practice can be more difficult.

At first, simple things can be implemented quickly, such as trying a new recipe or taking a different route to work. But when it comes to more significant challenges, such as starting a new hobby or career, you must step out of your comfort zone and take action.

Here are some tips to help you do that:

Set Meaningful Goals: To stay motivated, set goals that are personally meaningful to you. Think about what you want to achieve and why it matters. It will help you stay focused and committed to the journey, even when things get tough.

Break Down Big Goals into Smaller Steps: Big goals can be overwhelming, so it’s helpful to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. It can help you make progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way.

Find Accountability: Someone holding you accountable can be a powerful motivator. It could be a friend, family member, or coach who can check your progress and offer support and encouragement.

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you stay present and focused on the journey rather than getting lost in thoughts about the past or future. Try practicing mindfulness meditation or taking a few deep breaths when overwhelmed.

Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrating small wins along the way can help you stay motivated and focused on the journey. Take time to acknowledge your progress and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Embrace Failure: Failure is an inevitable part of the journey but can also be a valuable learning experience. Instead of seeing failure as a setback, reframe it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Stay Patient: Embracing challenges and delaying gratification takes time and patience. Remember that progress is rarely linear, and there will be setbacks and obstacles along the way. Stay patient and keep moving forward, one step at a time.

In short.

The story of Bonnie and Clyde and their encounter with a deity teaches us that joy is in the journey. The challenges we face in life are what make it exciting and meaningful. Instant gratification may seem appealing but can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. By pursuing challenges and delaying gratification, we can find purpose and fulfillment in life.

How about deciding to try something new and exciting? Or to follow this dream of yours you have been talking about for a long time? Whether it is big or small, the journey is what matters most, right?

Remember, the joy is in the journey!

Related Articles

A big part of my work as a Relationship & Communication coach is to help my clients to identify the beliefs that block the materialization of their intention to be able to experience them concretely in their lives—the release of these blockages from the depth of their unconscious.

The S.M.A.R.T method to set your intention

The S.M.A.R.T. method, based on the work of Peter F. Drucker and defined by George T. The M.A.R.T., as defined by George T. Doran, presents the essential points that allow us to define an intention and to promote its power of manifestation. Here is what you need to consider to achieve your personal, social and professional dreams.

S, for Specific and Simple.

Avoid going into a lengthy statement to formulate your intention, and use complicated vocabulary that is open to interpretation. The shorter and more straightforward, the better. Your words should be specific and directly related to the objective.

M, for Measurable. The more measurable your intention, the more likely it is that your progress will be measured. It stimulates the will, moving with more certainty towards the realization of the intention and thus increasing its power of completion.

A, for Ambitious. Allowing yourself to be aspirational means stepping out of your comfort zone and allowing yourself to accomplish your dreams. A lack of ambition is the best guarantee of staying put.

R, for Realistic. The intention must be achievable. Wishing to move a mountain that blocks the view from your balcony is unrealistic, and such a wish wastes time and energy. In other words, expect what is within your control.

T, for Temporal. Setting a time frame, not to pressure yourself, but to visualize your intention and increase your power of realization is valuable and practical. And when the time frame is medium to long term, splitting it up is wise.

Of course, the use of the S.M.A.R.T. method can be flexible. The initial intention is set accordingly to an evolving context in which an adjustment is possible.

Above all, remember my advice: Throughout your journey, stay aligned with your intention.

Self-questioning to stay focused on your intention. 

Once you have set a clear intention, your main task is to stay on track with what you want. You must ensure your thoughts, words, actions, and attitude are consistent with your intention.

To do this, take time each day to reflect by asking yourself the following questions:

Thoughts.

• Are my thoughts aligned with my intention?
• Are my thoughts clear and unambiguous?

Speech.

• Are my words positive and in line with my intention?
• Do I speak highly of my desire?

Actions.

• Are my actions indicative of my intention?
• Do my actions come from a place of self-love and clarity?

Attitude.

• Does my daily attitude reflect my intention? 
• How do I show up to the world daily?

In short – Throughout the day, make it a habit to observe yourself and assess whether you align with your intention.

As you can see, the intention behind our dreams is a powerful tool to drive our actions and the source of the outcome. It is the seed you plant and the fruit you harvest.

By paying attention to how you formulate your intention (specific, simple, measurable, ambitious, realistic), feeling it to the depth of your being, and activating your intention daily with your most beautiful positive thoughts, you are becoming the creator of your life! 

Related Articles

Of course, the entire set of that movie is not always under our command. What others say, think, or feel, and the social rules, even those of nature, are beyond our capacity to control.

However, we can adopt a way to observe our life positively to rewrite the experience we want to create as our reality.

So you see, if we don’t have control over what happens to us, we do have control over what we choose to do with our experience. Instead of desperately struggling with the morning news or feeling sorry for ourselves, we can embrace what life brings us and turn it into an opportunity to stop reacting to adversity and take responsibility for the contentment in our life.

Let’s start again. You woke up on the wrong side of the bed, the weather is gloomy, you’re out of coffee, and your horoscope predicts the worst…

First, breathe! Take a step back and observe what is factually happening instead of letting your emotions take over the possibility of perceiving the situation positively.

Then, see these circumstances as opportunities to use your time differently. Think about decluttering your home, reading a great book, taking an online yoga class, preparing a good meal, testing a new tea, etc. And, since you are the scriptwriter of your life, write your day’s horoscope in your diary, as you wish!

To discover how to find the meaning you want to give to your reality, I suggest you read this article: What is your path?

Related Articles

MY IKIGAI

My mission is to bring light to the shadowed’s path whenever possible.

My passion is to transmit what I have experienced and the tools I have acquired for transformation and fulfillment.

My vocation is to support others to live their relationship and life at their highest infinite potential.

My profession is to coach in communication, relationship, and personal development.

For all of this, I am infinitely grateful, and the simple fact of telling this to you enhances this feeling of joy within me, so thank you.

I know this process of grace well because I experience it daily. My husband and I take time each morning through a “tea time ritual” to express our gratitude; it brings sweetness into our lives and boosts our positivity!

No matter what you go through, you too can recognize the beauty in others, in all things, and positively transform your reality.

Here are 4 tips on how to do so:

• Set a clear intention to observe what is positive around you.
• Write down five things each day that you are grateful for.
• Send one message of gratitude each day to someone.
• And, of course, meditate! Even five minutes per day will make a big difference.

Implementing these small new habits daily will transform your perception of reality and fill your heart with gratitude, changing your entire life experience.

With all my gratitude.

Related Articles