How to Practice Ruthless Introspection So You Can Figure Out Who You Really Are.
Who am I?
That the question many of us ask ourselves when we get tired of short-term gratification, and looking to see how many followers we have on Instagram. I’m not judging or shaming here. I’m just saying what I thought you might need to hear.
Humans are complex creatures. We think in abstract terms while being driven by many different forces — some positive, some benign, and still others highly destructive. Add to this the fact that many of the instincts that drive human beings to think, speak, and act in certain ways may also conflict with community standards of what is considered right, moral, normal, or healthy. What may seem sane or normal to you may appear insane to others.
The essential element here is to contemplate and then ask yourself serious questions as you carefully observe how you answer these questions. Ruthless introspection is a combination of personal inquiry and dialogue where you explore and question the stories, legends, and myths that you have created or accepted, and which have come to define who you are. Ruthless introspection includes not only an evaluation and internal exploration of your physical, mental, and emotional needs, but also your desires, obsessions, emotional pain, and spiritual longings. It is not simply an intellectual inquiry but may include the study of kōans, important stories, and myths, journal writing, meditation, joining support groups, or creating or joining a Monastery of the Social Network. It may be useful for you to seek the guidance and of a trained psychotherapist, life coach, guide, or mentor during this process.
Ultimately you need to create a balanced life.
Support communities can be very valuable in helping you create and sustain a life influenced by the concept of conservation and balance. For example, they can offer many of the essential benefits that one could previously only gain from living in a monastery or ashram. In the most efficient, effective, and conscious group dynamics, there is an intention to give people greater freedom. This is done while supporting them in reducing or transcending those actions that limit or infringe on the freedoms or happiness of others. In the end, all these thoughts are totally meaningless unless you are committed to a life of love, spiritual clarity, emotional balance, and kindness. The willingness and ability to apply the concept and code of conservation and balance on a day-to-day basis will allow you to experience short-term pleasure, and many long-term benefits, while skillfully and consistently minimizing unnecessary struggle.
There is no one definition of what a balanced life is. But the intention to live this type of life provides one with an opportunity for introspection. As you become more consistent in your practice you will become more emotionally mature and your genetic makeup and biology will naturally, and intuitively, guide you to create a Daily Practice that will serve your spiritual needs. One thing is clear — you can never attain a balanced life through the use of logic, the rational mind, and common sense alone. What seems reasonable will be useless to you in this exploration.
I’m the author: I am a game theorist and self-improvement coach offering advice for innovators of all levels who are dealing with obstacles and constraints in their work (and play).
Learn More about Applied Game Theory and the merging of Eastern and Western Thought
Most of my Medium stories, when related to self-improvement, life lessons, mental health, and Eastern Philosophy are anchored into the concept of Applied Game Theory. This idea explores how and why people make certain choices. Researchers into game theory have won over twenty Noble Prizes. The movie “A Beautiful Mind” is about the life of John Nash, one of the pioneers in game theory. Of course, the most sophisticated competitive and strategic game in existence is the Chinese game of Go. Learn more about the powerful tool, game theory, for self-improvement. I explain it in the Medium.com article below.
The article was written so that a 12-year-old can easily understand and apply the simple 3 step system. The article also includes a short video interview of me with Jim Selman a pioneer and thought leader in leadership, business success, and innovation.
If you want to read more of my stories on self-improvement, creativity, and innovation, and I recommend the following story next:
