1.3: Self-Perspective - Who are You?
- Page ID
- 273907
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Self-Perspective: Who Are You?
Having the right perspective on yourself is essential to self-management. The first thing to understand about the self is that it is a gift from God. We do not create ourselves. In fact, it was so good that in the beginning, Adam and Eve felt no shame. Then, with the fall into sin, Adam and Eve did feel shame. Ever since, human beings have had a complicated relationship with themselves and with God. Ever since then, human beings have needed a savior. Through God’s grace, He has provided us with a savior – Jesus. God’s grace is freely given. We do not earn it; we can only accept it. This biblical narrative allows for a unique Christian understanding of the self and self-management. We do not have to earn anything, but we can accept good gifts.
The self is not a project to work on or a task to perfect. It is through grace alone that our selves are saved, not through anything we can accomplish (2 Timothy 1:9; Ephesians 2:8-9). And in fact, God can use even those things we may not like about ourselves – our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). The self is a gift given by God. By his grace and through his guidance, we can steward our lives. We can act a little more as humankind was intended to act at the beginning of creation – with gratitude for the beautiful gift of ourselves, without shame, and as good stewards.
After understanding yourself as a gracious gift from God, the next step in self-understanding is getting to know that gift. Our selves are made up of personalities, habits, experiences, talents, values, perspectives, and backgrounds. Our selves are made up of triumphs and failures, strengths, and weaknesses. Some would even say our possessions, location, and our unique place in human history are part of what it means to be ourselves. Your friends and family, co-workers, and social standing also affect who you are. To understand yourself better, ask yourself this question:
If I were a character in a book, how would the author introduce me?
God has given us the gift of ourselves, and we are all unique. A clear perspective on all the characteristics that go into making you will help you better understand what it is you need to manage.
Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
One unique thing about each of us is where our minds tend to linger: the past, the present, or the future. One of the founders of the field of mindfulness research, Jon Kabat-Zinn (2003), defined mindfulness as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment” (p. 145). At the heart of mindfulness is a focus on the present moment and non-judgmental awareness. While thinking about the past can be helpful as we consider how our past decisions and experiences have shaped who we are today, dwelling on the past, judging our past selves, or blaming others in our past can prevent us from moving on toward our future goals. Thinking about future possibilities can be a good motivator to encourage yourself to accomplish your goals; however, only imagining future glory can prevent you from doing what you are called to do in the here and now.
Self-awareness is the foundation that allows us to recognize where our mental focus naturally gravitates (the past, the present, or the future) and how that tendency influences our choices and wellbeing. Becoming aware of these mental patterns is essential for intentional self-management. If we consistently dwell in the past, we may carry guilt, regret, or resentment that weigh us down and distort our present perspective. If we live solely in the future, we risk turning our dreams into distractions, postponing obedience and action for a time that never quite arrives. Self-awareness, then, is not simply about noticing where our thoughts go—it is about choosing, through the Spirit’s guidance, to re-center our attention on the now, where faith becomes action and growth begins.
Who are you, and how will it shape your mission?
For this assessment, answer the following questions in as much detail as possible. You will use these answers to write a personal mission statement.
- As you consider your mindful self-awareness about your tendencies and habits, what nouns or adjectives best describe you? (designer, learner, creative, logical, caring, passionate, etc.)
- What skills, opportunities, personality traits or talents do you think God especially wants you to use?
- What gives your life meaning?
- What are your core values in life?
- For what do you want to be remembered?
Instructions
Use the answers from the questions above to write a personal mission statement. Your mission statement should be about a paragraph in length. Remember, your mission statement can and will change as you grow.
Here is an example of a personal mission statement:
"I want to thrive in a service career that allows me to use my creativity, grow in knowledge from mentors and colleagues, and advance into leadership positions. I value relationships and flexibility. The relationships I value the most are the ones with my family. I want my family to know that they can depend on me. I also want to be flexible so that I can follow God's will for my life, even if that means changes in jobs or location. I want to work closely with patients and make a positive impact on my profession. I want my patients to see God through me. I know working in a career of service can be exhausting, so I want to make sure I have a good balance with personal interests, family, traveling, and participating in my community."
This assessment is also available as a PDF download: 1.3.1 - Self-Assessment Developing Your Personal Mission Statement
Answer the following questions:
- Did you find writing your mission statement easy or hard? Why?
- Are you satisfied with your mission statement, or do you think you need to spend more time understanding yourself or your mission?
- If you are satisfied with your mission statement, what concrete steps will you take to make sure you are walking in step with your mission?
- If you are not satisfied with your mission statement, what concrete steps will you take to become satisfied with your mission statement?
These reflection questions are also available as a PDF download: 1.3.2 - Self-Assessment Reflection Questions for Developing Your Personal Mission Statement
Our world tells us to focus on the future.
The Word tells us we are like the lilies of the field, here today and gone tomorrow (Matthew 6:28-29).
Our world tells us that we must do more and be more.
The Word tells us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Our world tells us we must continually work toward self-improvement.
The Word tells us that God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good (Genesis 1:31).
Answer the following questions:
- What if we saw ourselves, not as projects to work on, but as gifts to steward?
- Do you tend to see yourself as a project to work on, as a gift to steward, or something else? Give examples of things you do, say, or think, that can illustrate how you see yourself.
- Mindfulness is about centering the self in the present and being aware of the state of your being in the present. Where do your thoughts tend to go: in the past, the present, or the future? Do you think living there is healthy for you or unhealthy for you? Why or why not?
- What connections do you see between the concept of self-as-gift, and the concept of mindful self-awareness?
These questions are also available as a PDF download: 1.3.3 - Self-Reflection Prompts Go Deeper!
References:
Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144-156. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.bpg016