This quote accurately reveals a habit that many people have as a way of looking at themselves in relation to others. As a society we have really been taught to take an “outside in” look at ourselves. As such, we spend more time looking around at everyone else and very little time observing ourselves. The concepts here are self-knowledge and self-worth. What is really important is that an individual recognizes the gifts they possess and values them.

Comparing ourselves to others gives us a basis to define ourselves and a framework within which we can construct the people we want to be. However, when our comparisons only show us our shortcomings, things we lack and things we aren’t, our thinking becomes polarized and overlooks our greatest strengths.

When you admire someone, it is because you recognize a trait or skill within them that you think is praiseworthy. Think about this. If you can recognize this trait or skill, you must have some knowledge of it within you. Otherwise you would not notice it. This means that within you, the trait or skill already exists and has the capacity to be developed and refined. This is the “inside out” approach of looking at yourself.

The fact is that the people around you are windows which allow you to look into yourself and see all that is there to be brought out and shared with the world. Any time you are impressed by something someone is, does or has, take a moment to contemplate what it is about them that resonates with a part of who you are. Whenever you see something of value in another person, it is a reminder to look within for something similar and of equal or greater value.

Develop the habit of looking through the window of others to see into yourself. Keep a journal of strengths, talents and gifts you see in others and write about how you can express similar traits to the world. This will become your own list of strengths and attributes. You’ll see that you have so much of value within you that it balances and even tips the scale in your favour against the traits and skills you don’t have.

This habit of self-observation is a skill that needs to be developed. It takes practice. Journaling in the way suggested above is a good way to strengthen your self-observation muscles. Network Spinal Analysis also provides a very powerful way of learning about yourself through observation of your body’s physical responses, muscle tension, breath patterns and posture. These physical responses are constantly showing you how you feel about people and situations before you even construct a thought. Developing your self-knowledge in this way gives you a heightened sensitivity and powerful awareness of who you are in relation the others and the world around you.

Use the opportunity to self-observe, develop you self-knowledge and continually increase your self- worth It’s natural to see the good in others and to be hard on yourself. Just don’t stop there. !