Self-discovery allows us to learn our strengths, weaknesses, values and dreams. This comes organically through life experience, but self-discovery activities can be a great way to proactively examine your life, connect with your inner self, and take steps toward fulfilment.
The best part about self-discovery is that it never ends. Whatever your age and circumstances, there’s always more to uncover.
Dig a little deeper this weekend and learn more about yourself with these five fun exercises that encourage self-reflection.
1. Take a personality test
Personality tests are a great way to gain some insight into who you are right now, and not who you want to be. While we humans are extremely multifaceted and can’t be placed in a box, personality types can be a helpful general guide.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
The Myers-Briggs 16 Personalities Test is one of the most popular personality tests in the world and offers a “freakishly accurate” description of who you are and why you might do the things you do.
Big Five Personality Test
Another popular test that’s said to be scientifically sound, the Big Five Personality Test (also called Five Factor) assesses how you score in areas Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
Five Love Languages
The Five Love Languages quiz reveals how you prefer to give and receive love – Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, or Physical Touch. It can be helpful for you to know this about yourself, and it can also be a fun self-discovery activity to do with your partner if applicable.
2. Do a questionnaire
Thought-provoking questionnaires generally encourage us to ponder things we otherwise wouldn’t. There are endless free self-discovery questionnaires available online and on Pinterest that will help you look within and hopefully unlock some enlightenment.
You might even like to do a questionnaire with a friend or loved one – it could start some very interesting conversations!
3. Start a journal
There’s a reason you see this suggested on all those lists about wellness and mental health. Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts out and manage stress, and it can also provide an opportunity to learn from your experiences, identify patterns, and increase self-awareness.
When you journal and reflect on your day or experience, you’re more likely to draw lessons and meanings from what you’ve gone through.
4. Ask trusted loved ones for feedback
It can help to hear about our strengths and weaknesses from an outside perspective. Ask a trusted friend, family member or significant other for some feedback about what you’re great at and where you might be able to improve.
This might be confronting, but it’s a great way to see ourselves as others do and take a step back from our own thoughts.
5. Try something you’ve never done before
What better way to surprise yourself than to try something new? There’s no limit to your self-growth so long as there are new things to do, see and experience.
It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby or try something you’ve always wanted to. Even if you’re a complete beginner, we can almost guarantee you’ll feel proud of yourself simply for giving it a go!
A new activity might include:
- Boxing
- Painting
- Bouldering
- Writing a poem or short story
- Trying a new outfit or makeup look
- Cooking your favourite restaurant meal from scratch
- Building something simple like a bird house or side table.