Self-discovery is a good thing in a way because it is a journey of discovery, and that can be fun. It allows you to reveal your strengths, weaknesses, wants, and needs. If one understands one’s personality, one can be in a better position to choose what is close to one’s heart and makes one happy.
Below are the seven best ways to go further in self-exploration.
Journaling
Writing a diary is probably one of the easiest ways to get to know yourself better. By writing often, you can express and share your thoughts, emotions, and instances in a confined and personal manner. It is a tool of self-observation that helps you describe your day-to-day life experiences, recognize feelings, observe how they work, and identify certain patterns of behavior.
It is recommended that you begin with at least half an hour of writing and gradually move to an hour a day. It is not mandatory to write about something specific. Rather, you can just write whatever comes to your mind. You may write about what you want, what is troubling you, or something that made you cheerful.
Personality Tests
Another group of personality tests can also be very fun and enlightening. These tests aim to determine different personality characteristics, including interpersonal relationships, stress management, and motivation. Many widely known personality assessments exist, such as the Myers-Briggs type indicator (MBTI), the Big Five Personality traits, and the Enneagram.
For instance, the MBTI groups people into sixteen types depending on how they use their mental energy, how they acquire knowledge, how they choose between options, and how they interact with the world. It tells you why and how you do what you do and how you can rectify certain characteristics within your work environment and relationships.
Taking a Bodygraph
Human Design Chart or Bodygraph is a relatively younger model that works under the assumption that every person has a unique energy structure in life. There are five types of Human Design and each type has its own role and influence that defines your strategy in decision-making. For instance, Generators are believed to generate and maintain the energy of unity, whereas Projectors are navigators and organizers of the society.
Other features that define your Human Design blueprint relate to your inner authority, the part of you that knows the best. Listening to your inner authority enables you to make the right decisions that reflect your true self. This test can assist you in acknowledging and appreciating yourself because it presents your strengths and limitations.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Self-reflection techniques like meditation can be very helpful if done in the right manner. Mindfulness means focusing on your thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences at the moment and getting to know your inner self. It is about focusing on feelings and thoughts without attempting to change them.
There are various forms of meditation, and the basic goal of most of them is to direct your concentration toward a thought or action. This makes it possible to develop mental awareness by joining a group of individuals who are discovering the strength of meditating on a daily basis.
Engaging a Therapist
Therapists are also helpful in guiding people through the identification of their values and interests. These individuals can nonjudgmentally guide others in reflecting on patterns of thinking, emotions, and modes of operation. A therapist can also help you explore the factors that cause emotional problems and assist you in finding better ways to deal with them.
Finding Your Hobbies
Engaging in hobbies and other activities is another effective way to learn more about yourself. The activities you enjoy can reveal a lot about your personality, values, and interests, contributing to your self-identity.
For instance, if you enjoy painting, you may have a creative and imaginative character. Depending on the activities you like, you can have important values like teamwork and physical activities if you play sports. If you are a passionate reader, then assume you have curiosity and love knowledge or you just like books.
Travel for New Experiences
Experiencing a new environment can lead to greater personal growth. New experiences, such as trying new foods, learning a new dance, or mastering a new language, can provide valuable insights into your character and preferences. These experiences often push you to step out of your comfort zone and do something extraordinary.
