Introspection as a tool for efficient
self-development
By Cristina Andersson
Introspection means “self-study”. In the 1800’s it was widely used as a
tool for several research purposes. For example homeopathy is a result of
introspective study.
Introspection might not be the best tool to carry out scientific
research. However, to look into your own mind and to learn and develop your
skills, introspection is a great tool.
Through introspection you will find out what is going on within you and
you will become the researcher of your own action-learning process and you will
learn to improve your mental skills. Introspection will also improve your coach-ability
because you will get more familiar with the obstacles and restraints of your
own learning.
I used introspection as a method for this study when we prepared the
concert with Collin Hansen in order to collect
empirical knowledge for the Winning Helix. I studied my own action and learning
introspectively for the first time and the experience was mainly positive. The
saying: “you will get what you order” worked for me too. I “ordered” research
results and that is exactly what I got. The concert came only second – the
positive aspect was that I could observe myself during the concert, but the
musical expression was left with a lot to hope for.
A very important and useful tool for introspection is a learning diary,
which I kept during the whole process. Not only did I write down what I sung or
learned, but also what we had discussed with Collin, how I felt, what did I
think I needed to learn, and what I thought I had learned.
“Soto!
Explore thyself!
Therein
thyself shalt find
The
“Undiscovered Continent” --
No
Settler had the Mind.”
Emily Dickinson
If you want to use introspection as a tool for your self-development the
following ideas, based on my experience might be helpful for you:
- Decide
exactly what you are going to study. Make the goal as clear as possible.
Remember that what you look for you will observe and what you order you
will get.
- Receive
and confront every thought, emotion and feeling you observe. Get used to
reflecting both on your mental signs and bodily feelings. Learn to have an
inner discussion with yourself in order to find out what you really feel
and need. Allow yourself to feel both the pain and the pleasure of your
inner world.
- Write
everything in a diary. Writing helps you to understand the process and
memorize the important learning points.
- Talk
and share. If you have a coach, talk with him or her openly and honestly.
If you are coaching yourself, talk with your friends and people who have
knowledge on the field of your skill.
A
winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to
develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals. - Larry Bird
About the writer:
Cristina Andersson from
