Adult growth and development theory tells us that as we enter our 40s and 50s, our focus shifts away from comparing ourselves to everyone around us and more toward the question of “Who am I?”
Are you noticing this within yourself?
Do you find that learning about your unique strengths, motivations, habits of attention, and other thought patterns are more intriguing than ever before?
You are not alone.
In fact, it is actually the study of self, the investigation of what makes me tick, that helps build relationships that matter. Until you know yourself, you can’t know anyone else.
But where do you begin?
As tempting as it can be to gather a bedside pile of all the self-help books or to sign-up for every program or podcast with every “guru”, the most rewarding journey begins simply.
Instead of making a vision board or trying to change who you are with affirmations you don’t quite believe anyway, be here now with yourself, as you are.
Some questions to help you begin:
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Where does your attention go most of the time? Where do you want it to be?
When you notice it going astray, simply pull it back. Without harshness. This is how you begin to retrain your neural pathways.To build new habits. To know yourself.
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What strengths and talents make you uniquely who you are?
Identify all the ways they’ve served you well. Build upon them. Become attracted to them. And allow those talents to become your legacy.
The key to self-satisfaction is not to emulate others or strive toward “being” better. But instead to sink deeply into who you are.
The world is yearning for you!