Carl Jung - How to realize your true potential in life

1. Don’t let others define you the world will ask you who you are and if you don't know the world will tell you. voice of conscience - what's good vs bad from parents (internal voice). the internal voice which demands us to behave in one way or another can have many different causes. our behaviour is also influenced by future aspirations and by the way we see ourselves. increase the voice of our own self... we are somehow forced to copy others. if your self is weak, you will listen to others, you will do whatever others demand you to do...then you become resentful. Reflect first what you really value in life (security, freedom, competition, collaboration, explore, routine).

(who i am? my likes? my dislikes? who i want to be?) know what actions to take and how to impose your will on the world.

to live a good life, you need to live a life which represents you.
without knowing what makes you unique, you cannot know what kind of activities you should pursue.

1. Understand your passions
   a man who hasn't passed through the inferno of his passion has never overcome them.
   repressed/embarrassing desire (sexual desire, desire to harm somebody).
   these subconscious elements usually are related to repressed desires or passions. (immoral/unacceptable)
   we are usually running away from our passions. from strong emotions which affect our behaviour, especially when they are repressed.
   know yourself better, be more forgiving, make time for things you care for.
   get more in touch with what makes you feel alive, and more knowledgeable about the inner workings of your inner passions.

2. Focus on who you want to be
   "i am not what happened to me, i am what i choose to become"
   collective unconscious (part of our unconscious that is common to all human beings deeply influencing us in many aspects of life without our awareness
   choose who you want to become
   integrate all the unconscious elements
   desire for love and attention, fear of abandonment..
   individuation - otherwise we will just go with the flow..
   immature part of psyche (e.g. fear of abandonment) prevents you from taking the best decisions in life and from realizing your potential.
   think what past teaches you, what defines me is whom i want to become and strive in real life to be that person.

3. Give up your addictions
   "every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol, morphine or idealism.."
   we sometimes become fixated on some ideal views over life avoiding seeing that reality is completely different than that rosy picture.
   we just try to find ways to escape facing the real problems of life. Because we don't feel capable of facing those issues.
   you cannot get in touch with yourself, cannot think of any solution.
   start developing a plan to change your life into a life which better reflects yourself. and gives you the chance to realize your potential.

4. Be honest about your capabilities
   "you are what you do, not what you say you'll do"
   we are almost never who we pretend to be
   what we do speaks for oneself much louder than anything we communicate verbally.

1st stage: ego development, personal development (image we show to the world). experiment with different ways.
2nd stage: full integration of ourself. have clarity - align actions with that image of myself.

It's always a good practice to keep your word and have a realistic view over your time limits and skills.

1. Make strengths from your weaknesses "I regret many follies which sprang from my obstinacy; but without that trait i wouldn't have reached my goal" any weakness can prove to be a strength if it's explored in the right direction.

Individuation - destiny ties to personality, follow it wherever it takes us...make sure i live in harmony. Don't criticize myself for my weakness, but rather think how they can help you in certain areas of your life. Use "bad traits" in useful way.

e.g. sensitive/imaginary -> lack of practical skills => turn focus on creative side towards my imagination. find the artist inside me...It's much better to work around your skills and make sure they are directed in the right way than to focus on fixing your weakness.

1. Find a connection to the infinite
   "the decisive question for man is: is he related to something infinite or not? that is the telling question of his life...
   the infinite can be described in anything which gives you a meaning beyond your time/limited existence.

2. Make time for deep reflections
   "you must be alone to find out what supports you, when you find that you cannot support yourself"
   solitude is one the best ways to heal oneself.
   focus on what steps you should take next to realize your true potential.

have your affairs in order perform those activities which makes you happy.