(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

To become highly self-aware is an advanced form of personal development. When self-aware you are clear about your values, your needs, your strengths and weaknesses. You have a clarity about yourself and your place in life.

Self-obsessed is about excess – excessive attention on yourself, preoccupied, seeing only you in the middle of every topic. You are in your thoughts constantly.

The self-obsessed person turns all contact with others into an opportunity to discuss themselves. The self-aware person turns contact with others into an opportunity to learn and grow.

It can take you a long time, years even, to become fully self-aware. The more you do, the more you will notice how self-obsessed some other people are!

 

Copyright 2002 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.