This evening I had an interesting epiphany about the word “self-conscious” and in particular, about when people use the phrase “I feel self-conscious”.  I quickly realized that in today’s society, the word self-conscious has a negative connotation – as in, it is wrong for someone else to make you feel self-conscious, and it is a bad thing to feel self-conscious.

It is my belief that being self-conscious is a good thing… a really good thing.  Listen to the word… SELF – CONSCIOUS.  I don’t see why there is anything wrong with being conscious of your own self?  Of your own identity?  Of your own body?  Of course it may not feel good or you may not like what you see or feel about yourself – but in there lies opportunity for growth.  An opportunity to take a look into an area of your life that you may have neglected for a while.

I further believe that if people started telling the truth more often, we would have better relationships, better health, and better lifestyles.  Too often, we are conditioned to hide, to not speak up, to not share the truth.  Many people do not like it when others tell them the truth.  They are too afraid of what they may hear.  Personally, if someone brought something to my attention that made me more conscious of who I am, I would be thankful.  Sure – it may not feel so good right away, but after the emotions settle, I’ll have a new vantage point, something new to consider, and that if I make changes, I can grow to become better.

Here are some common phrases that comes to mind:

• “Stop.  Don’t look at me like that.  You’re making me self-conscious.”

• “This outfit makes me feel so self-conscious.”

• “I can’t speak in front of the group… I will be way too self-conscious.”

• “I’m self-conscious about my education.”

I think that if we take a look a deeper look into these, they can relate to growth potential in one of the following areas:

•  Health & Physical Body
• Mental Development & Learning
• Relationships & Social Life
• Career & Finances
• Spiritual Growth & Self Love

Please also consider my argument in relative context.  I do understand that there are many people in the world who are in situations that may be beyond their control.  Who I am speaking to are the people who know they have the power to change something in their life and who know that what they really want is within their reach and within their ability.  I am speaking to the people who desire change and who desire growth.  I am asking them to step up to the plate.

Furthermore, because you do have the ability and the resources to change, you owe it to yourself to do so – to start taking action.  Unlike other people in the world, who may not have the same support group, the same career, the same body, and the same lifestyle – you have something special.  Don’t take the opportunities you have for granted.  There are millions of people in the world who would gladly trade spots with you in seconds.

BEST PRACTICES FOR IMPROVEMENT

1. Write Down You Goals/Desires And Put Them Somewhere Special

– I have a shoe box I call the “Manifestation Box” – Inside there are all things that I want to create in my life, from short term goals to lifelong dreams.  Some people prefer to keep their goals in front of them or on the wall.  Find out what suits you best.

2. Get An Accountability Partner

– Get a friend, relative, or colleague to hold you to your word.  It’s sometimes easy to let our “self-talk” keep us stuck.  If you don’t have anyone in your immediate surroundings, check out Meetup.com or other Online Forums & Support Groups.

3. Don’t Too Hard On Yourself (Yet, Strive For Success)

– The key thing to remember is that success is long-term and always evolving.  People don’t loose 30 pounds in 30 days (and even if they do, what are they going to do for the rest of their life?) and wealth isn’t created in weeks (usually if it is, it’s lost just as fast).  So don’t beat yourself up if you don’t reach all your goals by all your deadlines.  Success and goal-achievement are about consistently making small steps over an extended period of time.  Appreciate yourself through the process and realize that you are making a major commitment and have gone full force down the path of self development – congratulations.

It is my calling to you, to become the best person you can be… to take a look at your life, make some adjustments & improvements, and take a step forward onto the path of growth!

“Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second.  Give your dreams all you’ve got and you’ll  be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.”
– William James

I Hope You’re Inspired To Take Action !

~Matt Horwitz