Defining Yourself Through Self-Assessment

“Your real self may be hiding somewhere, look for it within, when you find yourself, you can freely be what you want to be.”

– Michael Johnson

The goal is to realize your full potential, which requires you to put in the effort to define yourself. This involves a lot of inner work. We will conduct a self-assessment in this essay. An evaluation of yourself, actions, and your attitudes. This is our stepping stone into writing our philosophy during the next two weeks.  

Figuring out where you stand often means visualizing your ideas to get a clear picture. As the signs in the malls say, “YOU ARE HERE.” Let’s explore mind maps so you can see how you are put together. It’s often helpful to picture your ideas first. Below is an example of a mind map.

You need to answer for yourself what your full potential is, looking at your psychological, intellectual, and social selves. Know yourself. This is called self-actualization. The point where you reach the authentic you.

The Seeds of Personal Philosophy

Through a series of blog posts started in July, we have explored the process of defining our true identity. We shape our identities through our thoughts and actions. Today, we summarize the series to help you complete a self-assessment.

The last two blogs in August will focus on writing your personal philosophy. Sort of a map of who you are, and the type of person you want to be. This self-assessment step is to combine all the components of self to form a mental image.

The series defines self-actualization not just as an endpoint of growth, but as a continual process of aligning our lives with our core values and purpose. This post sets the stage by explaining how each topic contributes a unique building block to writing your personal philosophy.

Exploring the Core Layers of Self

Self-definition is the story we tell ourselves. The story shapes our identity, choices, and our perceptions of possibility. It is how we see ourselves from the vantage point of our background, social life, and lived experiences. When defining ourselves, we ask, “Who am I today, and Who do I want to be tomorrow?” Self-actualization begins when we understand that our story is not fixed but editable. We can revise, reframe, and reimagine a story reflecting our authenticity.

The power of introspection is a deliberate reflection or an examination of our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and values. Think of it as looking inward at your mental and emotional processes. It could be through journaling, walking in nature, or finding solitude. It is a method for clarifying your personal lens. A necessary step in writing your story.

Self-awareness & self-acceptance are about seeing and embracing your whole self. It is partially how you experience the world through your five senses. It involves paying attention to your surroundings. It requires being present in the moment and is a tool for assessing your life. Self-acceptance is owning your story by embracing every part of who you are. It is your strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between. Self-awareness and self-acceptance push us past stagnation, helping us to explore who we are.

Self-talk is an anchor to our inner reality. It is the language we use in our inner dialogue. It structures our mental framework of the world. Self-talk is not good or bad. It acts as a mirror to our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Reshaping our inner voice can help us to live intentionally, making deliberate choices that uplift us and provide inner support. We, in essence, can be our own cheerleader or our biggest critic. You get to decide.

Moving from Insight to Integration

Autonomy means choosing what you want to do with your life. It is self-governance, living your life on your own terms. It does not mean that you do not conform to some societies or family norms. But you are not bound by them if they do not reflect your true self. Autonomy is your unique way of living and your individuality. It is a set of skills and attitudes. Autonomy is our ability to make independent choices and take full responsibility for the outcomes.

Worldview, beliefs, and values are how we see and interpret the world. They are the foundation of how we live our lives, and what we determine is most important. In our early lives, we are influenced by our family, schooling, and communities. As we understand the world better, we refine our beliefs and values. They may still carry undertones from our past, but we also see our individuality in the present. Our worldview and beliefs structure the world we see. Our values are a compass for how we live our lives.

Your Self-Assessment

And here we are at self-assessment. An exploration of how we define ourselves and live our lives. The rules and principles we use are a guide.

Stephen Covey introduces the concept of funeral visualization exercises in the second habit, “Begin with the end in mind.” The exercise involves visualizing your funeral and reflecting on what you would want others to say about you in their eulogies. The goal is to help you identify your core values and the legacy you want to leave behind. A vision of your life and purpose.

Robert Fulghum addresses the same idea of evaluating one’s life by considering one’s own funeral in his book From Beginning to End: The Rituals of Our Lives, specifically in a passage described in an excerpt found on Spirituality & Practice. What do you want your life to look like?

Tips for using self-assessment tools

• The previous post listed in this essay each have worksheets. You can go back and complete the evaluations to help with the self-assessment. As well as completing the worksheets attached at the bottom of this essay.
• Be honest. Answer questions truthfully and thoughtfully. Don’t share with others, I truly believe this inner work, if shown to others, becomes a presentation for them and not our true answers.
• Reflect on what the results show and how they align with your thinking. Guided journaling: Use prompts and questions to record thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which can help narrow focus and gain self-awareness.
• Identifying motivations: Answer questions that tap into internal drives and the reasons behind behavior, such as “What are your passions?”
• Consider multiple sources and use a combination of tools for a comprehensive understanding. Google self-assessments, there are many tests on the net.
• Revisit over time: Your philosophy may evolve, so revisit these resources periodically. 

Conclusion

Remember, these are tools to give you a framework; they are not rigid guides. It is essential to be honest and open with yourself as you take these assessments. Develop a mission or vision statement for your life. Become aware of your values and beliefs. What are my actions? Do they reflect my core values? What is my purpose? What is most important right now? What is most important for my future? Who do I want to be?

A mission and vision statement articulates your core purpose, ensuring your actions align with what truly matters. A planned way to direct your energy, you will have a framework that keeps you grounded. A vision statement should articulate your future direction, allowing you to evaluate whether your actions contribute to your ultimate goals.

How to create a personal philosophy

As we move into the next two blogs, my advice will be to get a notebook (spiral) and start writing. You can take your notes in this book as well as answer the assessment questions. If you review the past blog links, you will find additional worksheets.

Self-Definition Starter Map: Rediscovering the Core Self Worksheet

Personal Vision & Mission Worksheet

These worksheets are designed as a guide to help you clarify your personal vision and mission to assist with the goal of articulating a personal philosophy.

Recommended Reading

Vision, Goals & Self Evaluation: A guide to self assessment and personal growth. By Danny Ballard

The Self-Assessment & Reflection Journal: A Guided Workbook for Personal Growth and Emotional Intelligence: Self-discovery and growth, by Shenae Walker

Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, by Scott Barry Kaufman PhD.

Citations

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