Four steps towards being fully yourself

Change begins within ourselves—in our perception, attitude, and consciousness. Form follows consciousness — a central motto of Otto Scharmer—means that the external outcome of a system depends on the internal attitude of its people. Only when we consciously perceive our thoughts and feelings can we find new forms and paths in life. The journey to self-awareness leads through four stages.

These stages build on one another: Conscious recognition of one's own inner world, loving acceptance of one's own being, growing belief in one's own power, and ultimately experiencing one's own effectiveness prepare the ground for transformation not only of the individual but also of entire systems. Scharmer shows that true systemic change is only possible through a shift in consciousness . Below, we examine each stage of this inner development in more detail.

Awareness: I am, I think and I feel

The first stage is about pure self-awareness. Here, we learn to consciously observe our thoughts and feelings. Self-awareness... the first step toward self-awareness: When I perceive what I think and feel openly and curiously, I can become aware of what I need for my well-being in the present moment. This step leads us out of our automatisms, sheds light on our thoughts, and gives us clarity. When we allow ourselves to sense openly, we discover inner treasures and learn to be present in the here and now.

Acceptance: I am good as I am

The second stage is self-acceptance. Here we learn to accept ourselves unconditionally. Self-acceptance means recognizing ourselves with all our strengths and weaknesses. As one psychological definition puts it, self-acceptance is "the ability to recognize and accept oneself as a person with all our strengths and weaknesses." When we truly accept ourselves, we say to ourselves: "I am good the way I am . " In this attitude, we treat ourselves with the same compassion we would show a good friend. Many critical thoughts lose their power, and inner peace returns. We discover emotional freedom and begin to treat ourselves with respect and kindness.

Confidence: I trust in myself

On the basis of acceptance, self-confidence can grow. Self-confidence means believing in our own abilities and building on them. It is literally "trust and belief in our own strengths and abilities." When we have learned to accept ourselves, we increasingly feel confidence in ourselves: We dare to accept challenges and move forward. This confidence acts like an inner engine that inspires us to courageously pursue our goals. With every small success, we feel our belief in ourselves grow stronger and we can move forward with confidence.

Efficacy: I make an impact

The fourth stage is lived self-efficacy. Here, we feel that our actions make a real difference. Self-efficacy is the conviction that wecan achieve goals and successfully overcome obstacles through our own abilities. When we believe in our power, we can take courageous action: We consciously shape our lives and recognize how our decisions bear fruit. This sense of personal efficacy gives us strength and perseverance—we know that we can be effective and change the world around us.