First things first: You must know yourself

ONE of three phrases of the Delphic Oracle in Greece carved into the temple is this – “Know Thyself”.
Some think the sum of all knowledge is to know oneself.
Many teachers and thinkers over the centuries, and in past great empires say that “to know oneself may be the most important learning in life”.
The thought may seem to deify man – but it is not, if taken in the right context.
Contemporary teachers and life-coaches teach that self-awareness is a key factor that separates achievers from non-achievers in life.
David Waitley, the psychologist, makes this clear in his 1979 book The Psychology Of Winning.
The person who is sure about his or her abilities, capabilities and talents will achieve more in life.
Such a person may often seem to be overconfident and proud – but that is not correct.
Years ago, an American said former NBA basketball player Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics often seemed too brash about winning.
Once his coach was laying out the game plan, Bird cut in and said: “Just pass the ball to me and I will score.”
The coach shut him up, saying he would come up with the plan.
The coach explained that the plan was: “Just pass the ball to Bird and let him score.”
(If the overconfident person is just talk, then he certainly should shut up.)
To know oneself means you must be aware of your weaknesses, faults, character flaws and sins. (You do not need others to point out your flaws.)
If that is clear to you then you have more chances of making the necessary changes to better your life and of those you are responsible for – which includes devising a plan to stop the bad things we say or do.
In volleyball, you must know which positions and which type of set is best for you – short, midi or high – and
tell the setter to pass such balls.
Your attack will be most effective if you know what you are good at.
By being aware of yourself is realising that you can be your own best pal or worst master.
When others condemn you too much, you can still pull yourself up, pat yourself on the back and move on.
When others flatter you with accolades that you know you do not deserve, you work to tighten up on your weak areas to be the good person others say you are not.

lNext week: Bible examples on knowing oneself