Week 86 - "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do" – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
In today's world, finding a solution to almost any problem is easier than ever. Whether it's a minor inconvenience or a more significant issue, there’s an abundance of self-help information and advice available to help almost anyone navigate any challenge.
Despite this, we seem to be facing an epidemic of personal struggle.
But if the answers are so available, why do so many people still struggle with finding true, lasting well-being?
I think I found the answer to that this week when I myself was going through a pretty stressful time. I was telling a friend about how I was feeling but was simultaneously trying to explain that I knew why I felt the way I did and was aware of the steps I needed to take to feel better.
In the moment, I felt like I was just venting, going through the motions of explaining my situation, but when he responded, I had a realization I’d been running from for a long time.
“Are you listening to yourself?”
He asked me.
It was a simple question, but one I honestly had never taken the time to think about.
I’ve always thought that because of the amount of time I spend thinking about my problems or the amount of information I consume, I somehow already know whatever I’d need to get through any issues I might have.
But if I never actually listen to the advice I have, what good is it?
I think a lot of the time, we already know what we need to do to improve our lives or tackle our challenges. The only problem is that we just know it; we don’t truly listen or internalize it.
I don’t know if it’s just self-doubt that makes us so hesitant to listen to what we already know, but it’s clear that we often overlook our inner wisdom. I’m not saying to always go with your gut, rather, look inside now and then and ask yourself if you’re living up to everything you tell yourself you believe.
You might be surprised with how big that discrepancy is.
I say this all in hopes that you listen to yourself more.
You probably already know the answer to your problem but just aren’t listening to the only person trying to hep you realize it.
You.
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