How well do you know yourself?

Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu said:

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

The question is, which are you, ‘wise’ or ‘enlightened’, or perhaps both?

So why do we need both?

Being wise is much easier to do from an objective and external viewpoint.

Being enlightened, however, means we have to examine ourselves on the inside without that same objective viewpoint and through the potential lens of our own fear of falling short somehow.

We often struggle to understand our own identity and personality as we navigate the daily challenges and distrating noise of life, striving to achieve a decent level of success as we go.

In doing so, we often we miss what is in front of our noses.

Sometimes, our mindset and behaviours affect our ability to see, interpret, and appreciate ourselves for who we truly are.

As time passes, we increasingly fail to recognise what needs adjusting, but strive all the harder, desperate to make the most of this precious opportunity called life, but not clear how to do so.

We have unsung strengths, talents, and skills which we take for granted and fail to appreciate.

Yet when we do recognise them for what they are – our secret stash of personal gold – and develop faith in using them in environments where they are celebrated, not tolerated, everything changes.

That authentic enlightenment in action is powerful.

It serves as a light that leads us on our unique path towards authentic meaning and purpose in life and work.