Introspection

According to Google search, “in·tro·spec·tion

/ˌintrəˈspekSH(ə)n/

noun

1. the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes. "quiet introspection can be extremely valuable".“

According to Wikipedia “Introspection is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings.[1] In psychology, the process of introspection relies on the observation of one's mental state, while in a spiritual context it may refer to the examination of one's soul.[2] Introspection is closely related to human self-reflection and self-discovery and is contrasted with external observation.

Introspection generally provides a privileged access to one's own mental states,[3] not mediated by other sources of knowledge, so that individual experience of the mind is unique. Introspection can determine any number of mental states including: sensory, bodily, cognitive, emotional and so forth.[3].”

Sometimes, and from time to time, it’s a good thing to take a good chunk of time to rethink your walk of life. Perhaps not everything but vital things or things of consequence. This is called introspection. Inspection of within.

I learned of the “First Principles” in the book Think Like A Rocket Scientist. I also learned of the principle of “Monkey First” in the same book. These are approaches that could be used for introspection. Critically, you’re forced to look at your life. Are you content with your current situation or predicament? If yes, why; if not, why not. If not, what can you do or adjust to make it so. “First Principles” only enables you to ask the question ‘what’ initially prompted you to end up where you currently are; is the ‘what’ still your target; if not, how do you get back there. “Monkey First” principle enables you to ask the question - am I tackling the most fundamental element in achieving my goal; so that I don’t waste time doing the nonessential.

Introspection helps us recalibrate and to stay on course to the destination we have set for ourselves, wherever or whatever that might be. As it is commonly said, if your navigation is off by one degree, you might end up in Timbuktu instead of Paris or London or Washington or wherever you intended to end up. Word to the wise, recalibrate, auto-correct, introspect, so that you’ll end up where you desire to end up.

What are your thoughts on introspection? Do you spend time in introspection? How do you go about it? What approaches or methods do you use? Please share!

Quote of the Week:

“Improvement is a battle that must be fought anew each day.

Your next workout doesn't care how strong your last one was.

Your next essay doesn't care how popular your last one was.

Your next investment doesn't care how smart your last one was.

Your best effort, again.“ - @jamesclear

Book of the Month:

“Reading is to the mind as exercise is to the body.” - Joseph Addison

Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life, Ozan Varol. (A classic. Thinking out of the box).

#lifestyle #habits #change