In a world where self-awareness often takes a backseat, I’ve always found it perplexing, if not frustrating, to hear people talk about how they remain oblivious to certain aspects of themselves. Take, for instance, a friend’s story from about six or seven years ago. This individual decided to cut ties with social media after experiencing crippling anxiety and bouts of vomiting during a night out at a club, on their own birthday, of all days.
Now, it may seem puzzling that someone would willingly avoid social interactions, but what’s truly bewildering is their apparent lack of curiosity. Why did this specific event trigger such a visceral reaction? Why didn’t they dig deeper into the whys and hows of their experience? Sadly, in a world where surface-level perspectives prevail, it’s not entirely surprising.
We live in a society where people rarely venture beyond the empirical facts before them. They seldom question the ‘why’ of things. This lack of introspection extends to various aspects of our lives. People often struggle to self-diagnose, failing to recognize the consequences of their dietary choices or the ripple effects of a conversation that wasn’t adequately resolved a week ago.
Consider this: a slight alteration, a two-degree shift in direction, can, over time, evolve into a significant deviation from the baseline. A mere 2% deviation compounded over time results in a whopping 50% change. It’s a metaphorical principle, but one that holds true. Every calorie consumed today, every unspoken word a week ago, contributes to a monumental change in your life.
The issue at the core of this problem is simple: people don’t pay attention. At best, it’s a case of not paying attention; at worst, it’s negligence. Negligence regarding one’s own experiences and environment is something I find deeply discouraging.
So, how can we encourage people to be more attuned to themselves? It all ties back to the concept of sensitivity. Setting personal boundaries is crucial. These boundaries extend to self-discipline, which is not a negative force, but a means to instill beneficial habits over time. Discipline involves creating artificial circumstances and self-imposed constraints to produce positive outcomes. It’s a way to shape your life through your choices.
Whether you’re talking about child-rearing, daily routines, or even fitness, discipline revolves around creating a predictable outcome through controlled environments. The negative connotations surrounding discipline gradually wear off as it transforms into a habit, eventually becoming a tradition or ritual. Regardless of the terminology, the key is to start implementing these practices and stick with them, day in and day out.
