Have you ever asked yourself this question? It’s one thing to be candid with others, but being candid with ourselves is something we should be doing daily. This is a very difficult thing to do. We all have flaws, but too often we fail to admit them. We rationalize our short-comings. Overlook our errors. And may even be in denial about attitudes or actions that are self-destructive. What is your perception of the circumstances you are facing?
In his book, The Obstacle Is the Way, Ryan Holiday writes that “Perception is how we see and understand what occurs around us and what we decide those events will mean. Our perceptions can be a source of great strength or of great weakness. If we are emotional, subjective and shortsighted, we only add to our troubles. While others are excited or afraid, we will remain calm and imperturbable. We will see things simply and straightforwardly, as they truly are – neither good nor bad. This will be an incredible advantage for us in the fight against our obstacles.”
Are you being honest with yourself about your circumstances or are you allowing yourself to believe what YOU want to believe? Do you have the discipline to recognize the hard truths before you and respond to them in an effective manner? Candidness with yourself is recognizing these hard truths for what they are.
2 Corinthians 13:5-9 The Message instructs us “Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups.”
- Acknowledge Your Strengths and Weaknesses
- Take an honest inventory of what you’re good at and where you struggle.
- Accept that weaknesses don’t define you, but ignoring them can limit growth.
- Question Your Own Narratives
- Challenge your excuses, justifications, and biases.
- Ask yourself: Am I being honest, or just telling myself what I want to hear?
- Look at Patterns in Your Life
- If the same issues keep repeating, there’s likely a deeper truth you need to face.
- Recognizing patterns helps break cycles that hold you back.
- Listen to Feedback Without Defensiveness
- People close to you often see things you don’t.
- Instead of reacting, consider if their perspective has merit.
- Reflect Regularly Through Prayer
- Accept Discomfort as Part of Growth
- Facing reality can be uncomfortable, but avoidance keeps you stuck.
- Growth happens when you lean into hard truths rather than running from them.
- Make Decisions Based on Reality, Not Just Feelings
- Feelings matter, but they aren’t always facts.
- Balance emotions with rational thought when making choices.
- Hold Yourself Accountable
- Set goals and track progress honestly.
- If you fall short, don’t make excuses—adjust and try again.
Being candid with yourself is a lifelong practice. The more honest you are, the more in control of your life you become.
