An Exercise In Self Seeking Advice From
Yourself
Since we probably know ourselves better than
anyone else does, then we may very well be the best person to ask for advice
when we are in a quandary. One interesting exercise is to try asking for advice
from your past and future selves. There is the younger self that you used to be
and the older, more mature self that you will become. You can gain a different
perspective when you view present situations through your younger self’s eyes or
your mature self’s more experienced point of view. Perhaps, your younger self
would view a current dilemma in a more innocent, less cynical way. Likewise,
your older, hopefully wiser, self may offer advice from a more compassionate,
experienced perspective.
Think back to how you viewed the world when you
were younger. What were your thoughts on happiness, love, and injustice? Think
about how you would have reacted to a dilemma you are currently facing. The
perspective may shed a different light on relationships, money matters, or life
decisions. Likewise, think about the person you will become. A more mature
version of you might mull a problem or conflict over carefully before taking
action right away�?or perhaps not. Maybe your older self would be more willing
to take risks, care less about what other people think, and want to enjoy life
more.
You can even set up an advisory panel of your past, present, and
future selves. You might even want to try to have a written dialogue with your
selves to record the thoughts, feelings, and advice that your younger and older
selves might have for your present self regarding a current situation. Your
different selves can give you some invaluable answers. After all, no one can
know you better than your selves. You are your wisest guide.
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