Bring Out the Hero in You

I'm sure all of us look in the mirror on a regular basis.. the question is, who do you see when you look in the mirror? Who are you looking at? Who is looking back at you? And who are you looking for? Whether we realise it or not, we seek ourselves every time. But do we find what we're looking for? Well, some people do, while some are still searching.

As for me, I believe the only way we can find ourselves is through self reflection. Through it, I'm able to think of what worked, what didn't, what I'd learned and what I'd do differently next time. It also serves as a guide, giving me insights about myself and the world around me.

"What are your strengths and weaknesses" is probably the most hated question ever. While most people would have no difficulty in stating the former, it's a totally different case for the latter. In fact, I think most people will squirm at the attempt of answering it, for no one really wants to own up on their weak points although it's true. Well, the truth is always ugly, that's why we cannot accept it easily, especially when it is pointed out by the people around us.

In fact, we often view criticism as an attack on our worth as a person. People are way too quick to assume the worst and never ask questions or try to understand why someone is criticizing a certain way or say a certain thing. We should be more open to criticism, no matter how hard it is. The more open we are to it, the more we can use it to enhance our performance in areas we need improvement, well, unless you don't want to improve yourself for the better! Being open here means we're able to accept negative feedback about ourselves our our work without reacting overly emotionally. You don't have to defend yourself against criticism all the time. Treat it as a learning opportunity. Just listen to it and then decide what you wanna do with it. In simpler words, take or leave it. The choice is yours. But of course, being human, when someone tells you what you don't wanna hear, you will hurt, even if only a little. Betul tak? Like I said previously, the truth is always ugly.

"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so" (Shakespeare)

I strongly believe that our self perception determines our attitude and behaviour. I mean, if we think we are not good, then we will not be good; we also act that way. If think we are great, then we will be great. Happiness lies within ourselves, not something outside. Thus, those who never really reflected on their strengths and weaknesses never seem to get better. Why? It's because they don't learn from their past experiences. No one is perfect but it's enough for me knowing I am who I am today because of my strengths and weaknesses. I still need to keep on learning, though, for the lesson of life is in life itself.

Just as Confucius once said, "By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."

Which one would you choose?