Self Interest

#ThoughtHealing #MotivationMonday Quote for the Week: “This above all: to thine own self be true. Hamlet Act 1, scene 3, 78–82

“To thine own self be true” is Polonius's last piece of advice to his son Laertes, who is about to head off to Paris for his gentleman's education (and who, by the way, can’t wait to get away from the old man, if for no other reason than to avoid being preached to with such pithy platitudes).

By “true” Polonius means “loyal to your own best interests.” Take care of yourself first, he counsels, and that way you'll be in a position to take care of others.

I think Polonius is onto something here.

I have learned that owning what is important to me, acknowledging my needs and wants DESPITE WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS is essential. Which is why helping others learn how to know themselves and what is most important to them is a central theme in all of my books.

In my book, Will Work to Feed Dogs, the focus is on taking stock—identifying your needs and wants, your values, your natural abilities, your passions and interests, and your skills—in order to align your present circumstances with what matters most to you. When you gain clarity about what is in your best and highest interest, you will be able to make more meaningful choices and take consistent action.

In Getting What You Wish For, I show you how important it is to learn to articulate exactly what you want to have, be, or do in your life in order to activate the Law of Attraction and ensure that what you manifest is, indeed, what you wish for.

The focus of I’ve Been Down Here Before, But This Time I Know The Way Out is on leaving behind all of the thoughts, beliefs, assumptions, emotions, and expectations that no longer serve you.

And in Doing the Thing You Think You Cannot Do, I show you how easy it is to change how you might react to the life-changing events that make up your life simply by being willing to face them, embrace them, and go confidently through them. And, once you’ve had the experience of “doing the thing you think you cannot do,” you can face anything—and survive it.

We’ve all heard of Socrates’ bold dictum, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I’m not sure I would go so far as to say that. But, for me, I can’t imagine living an unexamined life. As a recovering alcoholic, the key components of my 27 years of sobriety have always been being honest with myself; acknowledging my feelings (especially resentment, which can drive me to drink if I’m not ever vigilant); recognizing the motivations behind my actions; and taking responsibility for those actions. None of which would have been possible if I hadn’t taken the time examine my life.

Steven Pressfield in his iconic The War of Art, said, “It’s one thing to lie to ourselves. It’s another to believe it.” I have, on more than one occasion, told myself—and others—some little white lies and not a few whoppers. But I can’t afford the luxury of believing those lies because I believe that doing so will jeopardize my continued sobriety and peace of mind.

Are you true to yourself? Do you even know what that looks like? Do you take the time to examine your life?

Think about it!

Want to know more about transforming limited thoughts and beliefs into limitless possibilities? Check out my Examine–Envision–Emerge Personal Transformation Book Series. Each book explores a particular aspect of thought healing. Find yours online at your favorite retailer today!