Part 2: How To Know Yourself

 By: Dr. Salihu Lukman

Here's a step-by-step approach to delving into your personality and understanding your traits, both positive and negative:

Step 1: Self-Reflection through Journaling

• Use a quiet place to dedicate time to journaling. Journaling is basically writing down your thoughts and feelings regularly. It's a space for self-discovery and reflection,  like a conversation with yourself. You can use it to explore your emotions, understand your reactions, and track your goals. There's no right or wrong way to do it, so keep it honest and personal!

• Start with prompts that encourage self-discovery. Questions like "What are my biggest strengths?" or "What situations make me feel anxious?" can be a good starting point.

• Jot down your thoughts and feelings honestly. Don't worry about grammar or structure, just express yourself freely.

• Do this journaling exercise regularly. Over time, you'll see patterns emerge that reveal your personality traits.

Step 2: Analyze Your Behaviors

• Think about your reactions in different situations. How do you respond to stress? How do you handle criticism?

• Identify patterns in your behavior. Are you generally patient or impulsive? Do you tend to be optimistic or pessimistic? Are you histrionic, shy, workaholic, perfectionist, confident, people-pleaser, assertive, patient, aggressive, etc.?

• Consider the "why" behind your behaviors. What motivates you? What are your fears? 

Step 3: Seek External Feedback

• Ask trusted friends, family, or colleagues for their honest opinions. You can ask them about your strengths, weaknesses, and how you come across in different settings.

• Be open to constructive criticism. Remember, the goal is to gain a well-rounded perspective about yourself.

Step 4: Personality Assessments

• Consider taking personality assessments. There are various science-based tests like the Big Five or OCEAN (O: Openness to Experience, C: Conscientiousness, E: Extroversion, A: Agreeableness, N: Neuroticism) personality model that can provide insights into your core personality traits.

• Note that these assessments are a starting point, not a definitive answer.

Step 5: Embrace the Journey

• Self-discovery is a continuous process. As you experience new things and grow, your personality will evolve. Your personality could also change especially when transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.

• Focus on self-acceptance. Acknowledge both your strengths and weaknesses, and strive for self-improvement. I will add more on this later.

Additional Tips:

• Pay attention to your values. What's important to you? What principles guide your decisions?

• Reflect on your emotions. What triggers certain feelings? How do you manage your emotions effectively?

• Mindfulness practices like meditation can improve self-awareness.

By following these steps and remaining open to the process, you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your personality traits.