One's Behavior Can Reveal Who They Really Are

Actions often provide a clearer picture of a person's true nature than words alone. Observing how someone behaves—particularly under pressure, when unobserved, or without any incentives—can reveal much about their values, integrity, and intentions. In psychology, behavior is regarded as a dependable indicator of personality and internal states. Here are two principles that illustrate how behavior reflects one's true self:

1. The Principle of Consistency

Personality psychology suggests that individuals tend to act consistently across different times and situations. This consistency forms the basis of personality traits such as conscientiousness or extraversion. For instance, a person who regularly helps others is likely to have high levels of agreeableness or empathy.

2. Implicit vs. Explicit Self

Individuals can intentionally present themselves in a specific manner, known as the explicit self. However, their unconscious traits, or implicit self, often become apparent through their actions.

How does being aware of your own personality lead to a peaceful mindset?

Understanding your own personality—referred to as self-awareness in psychology—can foster a peaceful mindset for several key reasons:

1. Improved Emotional Regulation

Recognizing your personality traits (e.g., being naturally anxious, introverted, impulsive) makes you more aware of your triggers and typical responses.

2. Reduced Inner Conflict

Self-awareness bridges the gap between who you are and who you believe you should be. Embracing your personality helps you stop battling yourself, leading to inner harmony and peace.

When I began my healing journey, the first step was to understand my own personality, which had been overshadowed by past traumas. As an introvert, I needed to accept that my preference for solitude shouldn't make me feel guilty about declining social events, which helped alleviate stress.

As an overthinker, I learned to pause and redirect my energy towards something that would calm my mind instead of spiraling into anxiety. This practice aligns with discernment, resulting in inner peace. Although self-awareness and discernment are related, they are fundamentally different mental skills. My previous post, "The Beauty of Discernment," explores how discernment can contribute to a peaceful mindset.