Self Observation

Every improvement starts with an observation.  We can’t improve what we don’t see.

The first step to self-development is to observe yourself like you observe others.
Only by recognizing the inner workings of your mind can you disassociate yourself from it.  With this kind of third-person perspective, you can identify those automatic thought processes which are holding you back from the changes you want to make in your life.

Scientific research and spiritual practice alike identify self-observation to be the fundamental practice providing insight into our personalities.
A common method for professional athletes is to record their performances to later replay and identify areas in need of improvement.  Similarly, meditations allow us to isolate external disruptions and focus on experiencing our true state of being.

Self-observation is one of the simplest and most powerful tools that we already have in our possession.  You don’t need to learn more information to cluster onto what you already know, but rather shift your awareness inward and become an observer of your mind.

Let’s say you are afraid of heights and a yard project requires you to climb a tall latter. With each step you take, you will begin to feel rising fear, compounding until it becomes so overwhelming, you can’t go any further.
When you look at this objectively, you should realize that every step on that latter is the same, and it is only your mind that generates mounting fear.  Your perception has created an obstacle that is preventing you from achieving your goal.
This observation process helps identify the right problems, which then can be addressed through the use of systems.

When you become self-aware, you can apply desired changes that are proportional to your comfort level, correcting your perceptions, keeping your fears down and bringing you lasting results.