What is Introspection

Introspection is the examination of our mental processes, emotional experiences, and inner states that shape - and are shaped by - our consciousness and behavior.

Introspection and self-knowledge are distinct though closely related concepts. Introspection is the active process or method of looking inward - the act of examining one’s thoughts, feelings, and mental states. It’s the tool or practice we use.

Self-knowledge is the resulting understanding or insight that comes from this examination, along with other sources.

Think of introspection as the act of looking in a mirror, while self-knowledge is everything you’ve learned about your reflection over time. Self-knowledge can come from multiple sources beyond introspection - feedback from others, observing our behavior in different situations, and seeing patterns in our life choices. Sometimes others can see aspects of ourselves more clearly than we can through introspection alone.

Introspection helps us answer questions about ourselves. It is one half of experiential self-knowledge. Imagine asking yourself, “what am I like?” Your view of yourself relies on introspection. If you have your family, friends, and coworkers they may answer in varied ways based on their perspectives.

Introspection could be inquisitive. You may ask yourself questions about your thoughts, feelings, and [[Whose Goals|your motivations in life]].

A healthy practice of introspection can influence our self-efficacy

Your average day is spent looking outward. Social media, news, tv. Your brain becomes filled with the ideas and beliefs of others. Or worse, so filled with jumbled thoughts it might as well be empty.

Introspection can even help us pursue our goals! Plenty of research indicates that the more internal alignment we have with our goals the easier it is to resist distraction and improve our ability to focus. This is intimately tied to our ability to [[Three Factors for Improving your Self-Control#Increasing Autonomy|increase our autonomy]] and break free from the distractions of social media.

In an introspective view, you’re likely to describe yourself from your own perspective.

I like sports
I work in sales
I enjoy quiet time

Rather than the views of the outside world.

my coworkers say I work hard
I am a good father
My friends like spending time with me

No idea if this is true.

Practicing Introspection

Journaling

Reading Stories & Playing Video Games

Analyzing the Past

Creative Writing

Creating Art

Curiosity

Psychological Safety

Emotional Intelligence

Awareness

Connection with the Past & Future Self

Quotes

Know Thyself - Temple of Apollo
The unexamined life is not worth living - Socrates
The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek - Joseph Campbell
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate - Carl Jung
Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes - Carl Jung
I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn - Anne Frank
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom - Viktor Frankl
God give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference - Serenity Prayer
We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change - Sheryl Sandberg

Examples

Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations: Originally written as private notes to himself, the Roman Emperor’s personal reflections demonstrate how even one of the most powerful men in the world found value in daily introspection and self-examination. His writings weren’t intended for publication but became one of history’s most influential works on self-reflection.

Benjamin Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues: Franklin developed a systematic method of self-examination, creating a chart to track his progress in cultivating thirteen virtues. Each evening, he would reflect on his day and mark any violations. This methodical approach to introspection led to significant personal growth and became a model for others.

Every religion has some practice of introspection.