How often do you talk to yourself? You know-discussions that involve a complete self-reassessment. A mental back-and-forth, an inner discourse, self-reflection that projects into self-examination.
To most people, this could mean positive self-talk, alignment with the soul, or strategic intrapersonal communication. Most times, in order to achieve this feat, one needs to be in great alignment with the self.
Research has discovered in recent times that about half of the human population does not possess the ability to have an inner dialogue. This is funny and alarming at the same time because, 'what do you mean there are people who do not have an inner voice that speaks to them?' Philosopher Socrates famously asserted that, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” emphasizing the centrality of inner reflection to human existence.
Our inner voice plays huge roles. First, it serves as an observer, and second, as a judge of all our actions, speeches, and mannerisms. These are things that may not stand out to us as persons, because sometimes we lack the general ability to know what happens in the minds of people when they observe us from a distance. What frame have we painted for the eyes of the world to see? What inspirations do we radiate unconsciously? What part of us would people find and term unruly, annoying, or improper?
Psychologist Lev Vygotsky described inner speech as a tool for self-regulation and thought, noting that “Thought is not merely expressed in words; it comes into existence through them.” How people see us is shaped by what we say and do, and this forms the idea behind how our actions reflect our character in the eyes of another person.
Discussions with the self help to solve the riddle of weaponized incompetence. It is a launch point and a guide to an entry phase of self-awareness, where you are exposed to a world that teaches you that you have infinite possibilities to build a sound mind and good behavior, especially when it comes to social interactions. It gives you a mirror to hold before yourself and observe your reflection as if through the eyes of another. Alain de Button , Swiss born British Author and public speaker explained in an interview that ' a person that is aware of their shortcomings and understands themselves is a person that is safe to be around.
Psychologist Daniel Goleman, in his work on emotional intelligence, explains that “Self-awareness is not an attention that gets carried away by emotions, overreacting and amplifying what is perceived.” Rather, it allows for clarity, responsibility, and growth.
Just like the Statue of Liberty’s Torch of Enlightenment, it lights the way for you as you walk toward freeing yourself from the different constraints that may be holding you back—both in life and mentally. Self-discussion exposes us to self-awareness, and self-awareness bridges the gap between the general lack of knowledge of human nature and psychology and the understanding of oneself.
It is just like falling down a rabbit hole into a world of multitudinous understanding of how and why people behave the way they do; why we need boundaries; why we need to learn negotiation skills; why we need to know how to use people (in a decent way), and also allow people to use us. Philosopher Immanuel Kant reminds us here that “He who has not cultivated the power of reflection works blindly.”
It is a finite embellishment to our true purpose; a class that uplifts and upgrades, but never ends.
Learn self-awareness today. Learn to look inward and ask why. Most times, the answers we seek already lie inside us.
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