Exploring the Connection Between Self-Perception and Performance
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Understanding Vulnerability and Accountability
In her insightful work, "The Power of Vulnerability," Brené Brown emphasizes storytelling over simply listing strategies for improvement. She discusses the concept of shame, highlighting its prevalence and harmful effects. According to Oxford Languages, shame is defined as “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.” If you want to explore more about the power of vulnerability, check out the video below.
I’m not solely focusing on vulnerability today; I aim to explore accountability and its connection to vulnerability. I've recently begun reading "I Am Accountable" by Sam Silverstein, and one point from the first chapter resonated deeply with me:
Our commitments to ourselves and others stem from how we perceive ourselves and those around us.
If this strikes a chord with you, I encourage you to view the next video for deeper insights. Let's take a moment to reflect on that statement.
The essence of this message is profound: how we view ourselves and others influences our commitments. It prompts reflection on our perceptions. How do you perceive yourself? How do you perceive others? I believe these are layered questions that intertwine with the concept of shame as discussed in "The Power of Vulnerability." Particularly, the awareness of perceived faults can shape our self-image and, consequently, how we uphold commitments.
Understanding how we perceive ourselves in relation to shame is crucial. What associations come to mind? I suspect that if shame is connected to self-perception, this can significantly influence our commitments.
Recognizing Shame's Impact
I acknowledge that I don't have straightforward advice for altering self-perception. However, I encourage awareness. Being self-aware and asking ourselves difficult questions can eventually lead to insights. For instance, during my meditation sessions with Headspace, I often ponder:
Who or what are you resisting?
Through this introspective practice, I’ve discovered how much I resist various aspects of my life. Insights often come unexpectedly, not necessarily during meditation but later in different contexts. This leads me to believe that asking earnest questions can yield valuable answers.
Rebuilding Motivation and Performance
So, where does this introspection lead? I'm in the process of reconstructing my motivational framework. For those unfamiliar, I've completed an Ironman triathlon—a grueling event that includes a 2-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26-mile run all in one day. That achievement was over two years ago, and since then, I haven’t reached similar heights. I believe my motivation plays a crucial role in this.
Instead of focusing solely on tracking my workouts and diet, I'm delving into the why behind my actions. This reflective questioning has led to significant achievements; for instance, I recently ran a personal best of 19:19 in a 5k—without obsessively tracking my training. I placed third in a night trail race just weeks ago, and again, it wasn’t through strict oversight but rather through enjoying the process.
My enjoyment while training—and the self-perception associated with it—has been pivotal. If shame is mixed into how I perceive myself, it undoubtedly affects my commitments. Therefore, understanding these perceptions is essential for me, as it can unlock potential I never thought possible.
Growth Through Introspection
This journey has illuminated a transformative power within me. I’ve felt it surge through me during evening runs, even in darkness. Your journey will differ; you may not struggle with shame or self-perception. However, as humans, we all have the capacity to grow through our challenges.
I liken this introspection to the concept of transfer learning in artificial intelligence. Researchers have shown that algorithms trained to recognize letters can also learn to identify numbers. Similarly, one person's exploration of self-perception may illuminate another's understanding of their agency.
To facilitate my growth, I’ve created a simple spreadsheet to track how I nurture myself across various areas. This approach aims not only at improvement but also at enjoyment, recognizing that we are not machines but rather individuals with diverse needs and passions. For example, I plan to explore Quantum Computing and Surfing next year—activities that excite me.
Accountability Tracking
How do you monitor your self-reflection and curiosity? I’m eager to learn new techniques beyond my current methods. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy a fulfilling holiday season ahead.
A Note on Authenticity
As a writer, I often check my earnings from articles, a rather shortsighted approach. Successful authors frequently emphasize the importance of authenticity and dedication to their craft rather than solely seeking financial success. This week, I found inspiration in Isaac Asimov, a pioneering science fiction author. His work, "Foundation," has recently been adapted into a series on Apple TV+. I believe his motivation stemmed from creating meaningful contributions rather than seeking recognition.
To explore this further, check out the adaptation of Foundation:
Watch Foundation | Apple TV+
Based on the award-winning novels by Isaac Asimov, Foundation chronicles a band of exiles on their monumental journey…