I was out for supper the other night and I noticed the number of people who take selfies. It is not a new obsession. The most popular picture taken around the world, over $1 million selfies are taken every day. Not only are selfies taken, but they are often shared on social media. It is a way to show everyone what we look like at our best and how we spend our time. The majority of time of course, we share the coolest things we’ve done all week. It is a simple way to display what we want others to see. So why this obsession?
Dr Terri Apter, psychology lecturer at Cambridge University, says taking selfies is all about people trying to figure out who they are and project this to other people. “It’s a kind of self-definition,” says Dr Apter. “We all like the idea of being sort of in control of our image and getting attention, being noticed, being part of the culture.”
This #5MinMotivation post is not about selfies in the normal sense. Let’s challenge ourselves to take “real selfies”. The kind that are not just skin-deep but focus on the “real you”. Taking self-reflection selfies are the most important selfie you need to take. When was the last time you paused, looked into yourself and asked the right questions?
We know that asking the right questions is a great way to get to know someone better. In the same way, you know yourself better by asking yourself the right questions. Asking some deep questions helps in understanding better who you are, what you want to do and where you want to be. These are your most important selfies.
“A man must find time for himself. Time is what we spend our lives with. If we are not careful we find others spending it for us. It is necessary now and then for a man to go away by himself and experience loneliness; to sit on a rock in the forest and to ask of himself, ‘Who am I, and where have I been, and where am I going?’ . . . If one is not careful, one allows diversions to take up one’s time—the stuff of life.” ― Carl Sandburg
Spend some time with yourself this week and ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I using my time wisely?
- Am I taking anything for granted?
- Am I putting enough effort into my relationships?
- Am I letting matters out of my control stress me?
- How am I doing with my biggest goals?
- Am I living my true self?
- What have I been avoiding out of fear?
- What am I committed to changing?
- What mistakes am I making more than once?
- What motivates me to keep going?
Our lives can get pretty hectic and it can be easy to get lost in our actions. When we are so focused on what is ahead, we forget to pause, reflect and find ways to energize our minds. These 5-minute motivation posts are meant to give you that recharge. The goal is to give you a 5-minute Vitamin for your mind through quotes, posts and videos. It is also meant to challenge your thinking and inspire you to take action.
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