If we want to fulfill any of the goals we set for ourselves at the start of a year, the first step is to develop a strong sense of self-awareness. To do this, you need to cultivate a sense of self-curiosity so you gain the self-awareness you need to actually move forward and achieve the things you really want in life. With this in mind, here are 6 ways to become more self-curious.
Try to understand why you do what you do
Particularly important when you notice yourself reacting instead of responding or repeating certain unhealthy behavioral patterns that you no longer wish to have. Self-compassionately ask yourself why you respond and behave the way you do, so you can further understand your areas of growth.
Don’t assume you know everything about yourself
“If our brains were simple enough to be understood, we wouldn’t be smart enough to understand them,” said British philosopher Emerson Pugh. As human beings, we are constantly evolving, growing, and transforming. As such, we will (hopefully) continue to change and, consequently, we will continue to discover things about ourselves we weren’t aware of. It is in this wonder and curiosity that true transformation lies.
Ask questions to yourself constantly
Asking open-ended questions to yourself can help you uncover truths about yourself and your needs. As Oprah puts it, “when you know better, you do better”.
Allow yourself to be amazed by your inner world
Self-awareness and self-curiosity trace a roadmap towards your inner world — an inner journey that drives you closer to a path of authenticity. When you open yourself up to your inner world, you can get in tune with the person you want to be.
Set firm boundaries with judgment, guilt, and shame
The presence of these sneaky characters often plagues this self-curiosity and stomps our emotional growth. Try, as much as possible, to set firm boundaries with them and (as often as you can) limit their access to entering your inner world.
Don’t be afraid of admitting “I don’t know.”
One of the most powerful self-discoveries comes from admitting to ourselves “I don’t know.” Don’t fear this mystery or lack of information. On the contrary, embrace it so you can further reveal more hidden aspects of yourself.
