Do you know that self deception is a problem? Let's take for example: You're in a toxic relationship and you keep convincing yourself that everything is fine and you ignore the signs of unhappiness OR you struggle with your finances and you keep telling yourself that you're financially stable and you refuse to acknowledge the reality of your situation. Do you know that it is you living in the reality of what you're not? Self deception is you creating a false narrative in your mind, you trying to protect yourself from uncomfortable truths, and you having a strong desire to believe in something that isn't true. When we deceive ourselves we become our own enemy posing as a friend.

Self-deception can be hard to notice but we can say we are living in self deceit when we:

✓ Can't accept responsibility for things 

✓ Keep blaming others 

✓ Keeping making excuses for ourselves and others

✓ Feel defensive or threatened when people challenge us. 

✓ Keep avoiding unpleasant realities 

 

How do we now stop this? 

When you see that you've started convincing yourself of things that aren't true to avoid facing reality, then you should take these few steps to bring yourself back on track:

1. Be honest with yourself and acknowledge the truth: An example of this is when you realize that you've been making excuses for your unhealthy habits and finally admits that you need to make a change for your own well-being. You need to take a step back, reflect on your actions, and confront the reality of the situation. It requires self-awareness and a willingness to face the truth, even if it's uncomfortable. Remember, honesty with yourself is the first step towards personal growth and positive change.

2. Seek different perspectives and feedback from trusted family and friends: Have open and honest conversations with them about your thoughts and feelings. Share your concerns and ask for their input and observations. Their outside perspective can help you see things more clearly and challenge any self-deceptive beliefs you may have. Remember to choose people you trust and who have your best interests at heart.

3. Challenge your own beliefs and question your motivations:Take a step back and ask yourself why you hold certain beliefs or have certain motivations. Dig deeper and explore if they are based on truth or if they are influenced by biases, fears, or insecurities. Be open to questioning and examining your own thoughts and feelings, and consider alternative perspectives. This self reflection can help you uncover any self-deceptive patterns and lead to personal growth and a more authentic understanding of yourself.

4. Take action and make changes based on the truth:  It's important to be proactive and committed when taking action and making changes based on the truth while dealing with self deception. Once you have acknowledged the truth, set clear goals and develop a plan to address the areas where you have been deceiving yourself. Take small steps towards change and hold yourself accountable. Remember, embracing the truth and taking action can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

Final words

When it comes to dealing with self-deceit, it's important to be honest with ourselves and acknowledge the truth. Take time for self-reflection, challenge your beliefs, and seek different perspectives. Remember, change starts with awareness and a commitment to personal growth. You've got this! ?