Here's the Deal - Part 9

Awareness of Self
 
According to some historians, Al Capone, one of the most notorious mobsters in American history, truly believed he was doing a great service to the American people.  Capone’s gangsters murdered hundreds of people as the United States government implemented, and then repealed, prohibition (the sale of alcoholic beverages).
 
Like Al Capone, many people don’t see or understand how cruel they actually are.  Many people are blinded by their own behavior.  Many people reading the words on this blog will never understand how important it is to achieve a higher degree of self-awareness.  Without the correct awareness of self, we will never see our selves for who we really are.  Without awareness of self, we will remain locked in a delusional state of denial that will undermine everything we do. 
 
However, when we strive to see our true selves, we will begin to uncover strengths and assets not previously visible to our singular senses. 
 
HERE’S THE IDEA:
To be aware is to be interested, alert, concerned, and informed.  What do you KNOW about your self?
 
HERE’S THE DEAL:
Getting to know yourself is the first step toward changing your self.  Getting to know your self is potentially a life-changing event.  Are YOU ready?  If you are, indeed, ready, there is real power ahead for YOU.
 
To achieve The Ideal life, we must gain…

       Awareness of Self
 
Others may have an idea of what you are doing.  But you are the only one who knows everything you do.  No one else knows your thoughts.  No one knows the extent of your spirituality, emotions, logic, or the finite limitations of YOUR self. 
 
Only YOU know these things.
 
However, as much as you think you know about YOU, there are things about you that are more easily seen by others.  There are times when others may be more aware of your actions than you are.  You may unknowingly offend someone.  Or you might say something that is technically true, but socially unacceptable to say in a public forum.  Yes… sometimes, only others see these things about you.
 
By becoming more aware of your SELF, you are better able to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, increasing knowledge of your SELF will help illuminate your good AND bad behaviors.  More importantly, you will see how these behaviors affect your attitude towards people, and your approach to how you can achieve The Ideal life. You now understand that enhanced self-awareness is essential for personal growth.  To move forward, find the answer to these two questions… both of which are “from your point of view”:
 
My top 2 strengths are:
 
1. _________
 
2. _________
 
My two greatest fears are:                
 
1. _________
 
2. _________
 
In reality, the best way to predict the future…
 
… is to create it!
 
Next post: Pay Attention Please
 
Previous post:  Change Your Rituals
 
Accept. Adapt. Achieve. ®
 
What do YOU want to achieve?
 
~
This is Part 9 of a 30-part series on how to achieve The Ideal Life.
~
 
Think about the word IDEAL.  It is actually a conglomeration of several smaller words, specifically:
 
       ~  I  ~  ID  ~  IDEA  ~  DEAL  ~  IDEAL  ~
 
In the final analysis, if you can learn to master your Id (as in the ego, id, and superego), you can do some rather amazing things. 
 
~
© 2011-2016 John H. Clark III
Parts excerpted from…
The Ideal: Your Guide to An Ideal Life
(220 pages, BFG Press, 11/11/11)