The Joy ModelSample

When it comes to increased self-awareness, be careful not to get stuck in introspection mode. If you are truly honest as you examine yourself, you will start to get some clarity on what to do at both the spiritual (Being) and practical (Doing) levels, but rarely will you get full clarity.

The temptation for many is to stay in the introspection mode of building self-awareness for too long. Perpetual navel-gazing. In a way, it becomes a new self-indulgent hobby. One that traps you into inaction.

So get going. Do something. If God is stirring your heart about the homeless, volunteer to serve meals at a shelter. If you have a passion for school children in inner-city schools, go mentor some kids. If it’s become clear that the precious time you have with your young kids is slipping away, make sure you figure out a way to invest in their lives. If your finances and giving don’t feel right, educate yourself on money management and stewardship.

Moving from introspection to action as a strategy for greater self-awareness is not only helpful for revealing your heart, your thinking, your biases, and your fears; it’s invaluable for discovering what you are passionate about.

Bob Buford (author of Halftime) calls these small exploratory steps “low cost probes” that will expose you to new ideas and people doing meaningful work in the world. Without overcommitting and burning up all the margin you worked so hard to create, use smaller chunks of time to—as the saying goes—“let your heart break for what breaks God’s heart.”

Breaking out of your small world will expose you to things that haven’t been on your radar. Things that may stir a passion you never thought could be so intense.