Stuart Wilde said, “Our life’s journey of self-discovery is not a straight-line rise from one level of consciousness to another. Instead, it is a series of steep climbs and flat plateaus, then further climbs. Even though we all approach the journey from different directions, certain of the journey’s characteristics are common to all of us.” It is true that we may share characteristics related to self-discovery, the journey is difficult. In fact, the hardest work you will do is self-discovery.
Some people are probably thinking, “Really, you must be joking? I have done much harder work.” It is true that most work is physically harder work, but there is no more mentally challenging work than self discovery. Some people find physical work enjoyable because they can tune out mental stress and other challenges.
When I think of self-discovery, I think about a couple of books by John C. Maxwell that have really made me stop, think, and learn more about myself. These books have made me change my actions, and my daily agenda so that I can continue my journey of self-discovery. The two books that I reference the most in this regard are Today Matters, and The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.
Today Matters define 12 daily practices related to 12 areas of life that you should consider, and make decisions on how you wish to live. Chapter by chapter it takes you through these 12 areas, such as attitude, priorities, health, family, thinking, commitments, and finances. Each chapter becomes an area of reflection and self-discovery.
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth is focused on being a lifetime learner, and growing your capability. The path of personal growth and the path of self-discovery overlap in many instances. Lets examine the first three laws of growth and see how they relate to self-discovery.
1. The Law of Intentionality: Growth Doesn’t Just Happen Very seldom do significant results occur without intentional action. Both personal growth and self-discovery require intentionality.
2. The Law of Awareness: You Must Know Yourself to Grow Yourself Self-discovery is a process that happens in stages. It is a continuous journey. When you become aware on one level, it opens the door to additional levels. Whatever area you decide to develop, works the same. A nuclear scientist started out learning addition and subtraction just like you and I. They just continued down a different path, achieving much higher levels of awareness and knowledge.
3. The Law of the Mirror: You Must See Value in Yourself to Add Value to Yourself This is a great law linked to both personal growth and self-discovery. If you do not value yourself, you are not going to spend time with yourself. Because it is work, you need to see the value of that work. If you look for it, you will always see value that will lead you to a next step.
The work of self-discovery is hard work, because it requires us to be intentional in our actions. No one else is going to hold us accountable minute by minute. It is so easy to sit in front of the computer or a television and waste hours of your day.
It is hard work. Are you making the effort?