I’ll admit, this is a challenging topic to write about.  It requires a delicate balance that I’m still learning to navigate. I’ve struggled to find the right equilibrium between self-confidence and brutal self-honesty.

On one hand, when I engage in deep self-reflection and honesty, I sometimes find my self-confidence wavering. I see all the areas where I can improve, the mistakes I’ve made, and the ways I fall short of my ideals. If unchecked, this can become overwhelming and discouraging.

Conversely, when I allow my confidence to soar without restraint, I risk developing blind spots. I might overlook my faults or dismiss valid criticism, which can hinder my growth and potentially damage relationships.

The key, I’ve found, lies in striking a balance. It’s about having the courage to look at yourself honestly, acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses, while maintaining the belief in your ability to grow and improve. This balancing act requires constant effort and self-awareness.

This journey of self-discovery and honesty isn’t always comfortable, but it is a superpower that can unlock your full potential. Being honest with yourself means having a clear-eyed view of your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. It requires being confident in your abilities while simultaneously being humble enough to recognize areas for improvement.

And since it’s so challenging, most people don’t do it. This is where the advantage lies. When you master this skill, you gain an edge in life. You take the lead.

Charlie Munger (if you don’t know about him, you will learn a lot by reading about his thoughts, and maybe make some money at the same time), captures this idea perfectly. He famously said, “Forgetting your mistakes is a terrible error if you are trying to improve your cognition.”

Self-deception can take many forms: rationalizing poor choices, ignoring our faults, blaming others for our mistakes, or avoiding difficult truths about our lives. These habits can stunt personal growth, damage relationships, lead to poor decision-making, and result in missed opportunities for improvement.

On the other hand, being truthful with yourself brings clarity. You see your situation as it truly is, allowing for better decision-making. Acknowledging your weaknesses is the first step to improving them. This honesty leads to authenticity—you live a life true to yourself and your values. It also fosters better relationships because honesty with yourself naturally extends to honesty with others.

It’s crucial to understand that this honesty isn’t just about how you act—it’s also about how you think and speak to yourself. Your internal dialogue shapes your reality. You will become what you think, so it’s essential to be honest about your thought patterns as well. Are you being truthful about the way you perceive yourself and the world around you? Are your thoughts aligned with your values and goals? This level of self-awareness and honesty in your thinking is just as important as honesty in your actions.

To cultivate self-honesty, practice regular self-reflection. Take time to examine your thoughts, actions, and motivations. Seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors about your blind spots. Write things down—this process can help uncover truths you might be avoiding. Face your fears head-on; we often lie to ourselves out of fear. Embrace humility by remembering that everyone has flaws and areas for improvement.

The goal is to be aware of both your strengths and weaknesses, give yourself credit where it’s due, and constantly look for areas of improvement. This balanced self-awareness is the foundation of true confidence and continuous growth.

Kiddos, the path of self-honesty isn’t always easy, but it leads to a life of integrity, growth, and genuine fulfillment. Have the courage to look in the mirror of truth and let that truth guide you towards becoming the best version of yourself. It’s a superpower that will serve you well throughout your life.