Embracing Self-Honesty for Personal Growth

One of the easiest ways to create a better future, is to examine the past; however, one of the hardest parts of examining our past, is taking accountability. Many times, our current circumstances begin and end with our own choices and behaviors. Whether we acknowledge them or not, is key to rectifying them and moving forward in a new way.

Our Self Esteem is Tied to Our Truth

There are plenty of reasons why we don’t want to be honest with ourselves about the past. Many times, we simply don’t know any better and do what we have always done not fully understanding the impact and consequences we are creating. Other times, we know we need to make changes but the fear of change looms larger than staying the same. Change requires risk, and taking a hard look at our contribution to why we feel stuck can impact our self-esteem.

Our sense of self is tied to how we perceive who we are and what happens to us. Being honest with ourselves can require facing tough truths about ourselves and our choices rather than casting blame on things outside our control.

Being Honest with Yourself is Courageous

Being honest with yourself requires courage and is an act of self-love rather than self-loathing. Being willing and able to face your choices as your own means you can take the steps necessary to make new, better choices.

Here are some tips that help:

Be open to being wrong- If you perceive being wrong with weakness or inferiority, it’s going to be hard to admit when you missed the mark. Digging your heels in and refusing to accept responsibility only further delays the positive changes you really want. Get comfortable with being wrong. Be willing to try, fail, and try again. Be open to not knowing it all and still being ok.

Practice vulnerability- Practical vulnerability is an act of humility and courage. Exercising vulnerability in a safe way with yourself (and a select few) can change the way you make decisions. Vulnerability creates space to accept help, change your point of view, expand your mind, and be open to lasting change.

Lean into forgiveness- Changing your thoughts and habits may require letting go and forgiving. Leaning into forgiving yourself and others can help you start with a clean slate and make new choices and plan for a better future.

Look for the lessons- There is always a lesson to be learned. Your outcome may not have been ideal, but somewhere in the rubble is a lesson that will help you. Change your mindset to look for the value in the past as it relates to the possibilities for the future.