Identifying Your Blind Spots
Everyone has blind spots in their lives. As the name suggests, blind spots are not easily visible to us. It often requires intentional reflection or trusted feedback from a friend.
When reflecting on my own life, two blind spots that immediately stood out were my difficulty in asking for help and my tendency to guard my heart too closely.
These blind spots were not something I discovered on my own, but rather, they were lovingly pointed out to me by close friends who cared enough to share these insights.
I used to firmly believe that I had to handle everything independently to avoid burdening others or showing vulnerability. This blind spot developed from past experiences where I felt let down and feared rejection.
Although I was somewhat aware of these tendencies, I didn't fully realize how much it influenced my actions. I would instinctively build emotional walls to shield myself from potential hurt. These blind spots stemmed from past heartbreak and disappointment, leading me to believe that by protecting myself, I could avoid pain.
However, over time, I came to the realization that my reluctance to seek help hindered my personal growth and unnecessarily added stress to my life. Similarly, while guarding my heart initially served as a defence mechanism, it ended up impeding my ability to truly engage in relationships and form deep friendships. It prevented me from being vulnerable and open, which are essential qualities for the development of genuine relationships.
So, what exactly is a blind spot?
A blind spot refers to parts of our thoughts, emotions, behaviours, or patterns that we are unaware of, or struggle to recognize. These blind spots can hinder personal growth and relationships, as they may contribute to harmful or ineffective behaviours and beliefs. Uncovering these blind spots is necessary because it allows us to gain insight into our patterns and underlying issues, empowering us to make positive changes and grow towards greater self-awareness.
How does one recognize blind spots?
1. Take time to reflect:
- Am I open to facing uncomfortable truths about myself?
- Do I have a growth mindset?
- Am I genuinely seeking to align my thoughts and actions with the teachings of Jesus?
2. Desire feedback from trusted sources:
- Am I willing to listen to feedback from friends, family, or mentors?
- Do I actively seek different perspectives and opinions?
- Can I handle constructive criticism without getting defensive?
3. Pay attention to patterns in your life:
- Do you notice recurring themes or situations that cause frustrations or conflicts?
- Are any patterns in your reactions or behaviours contributing to these situations?
4. Explore Emotional Triggers:
- What situations or topics tend to evoke strong emotional reactions in me?
- Do I notice recurring themes or beliefs associated with these emotional triggers?
5. Seek a Gospel-Centered Community
- Have I considered seeking guidance from my church community, which can provide objective insights into my blind spots?
- Am I open to exploring deeper aspects of my emotions, relationships, and behaviours with my church community?
- Is there anything I should consider or be more mindful of, to align my life with Gospel-centered principles?
6. Engage in Prayer and Seek God's Guidance:
- Am I consistently praying for wisdom, discernment, and the willingness to see my blind spots?
- Have I asked God to reveal areas of weakness or patterns that may need attention?
When studying Scripture and engaging in prayer to identify blind spots in your life, here are some practical questions you can ask yourself:
1. Are there any areas in my life where my actions or attitudes do not align with the teachings of Scripture?
2. When was the last time I genuinely repented of my thoughts and actions and asked Jesus for help?
3. Am I truly seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all areas of my life, or are there areas where I am relying too heavily on my understanding?
4. What recurring patterns or themes in Scripture am I struggling to apply or fully understand in my own life? Why?
5. Are any areas of pride or self-righteousness hindering my spiritual growth?
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any blind spots and help you grow in self-awareness. The good news is that the Holy Spirit is our Counselor and Advocate, and by inviting His guidance, we open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives.
As you ask yourself these questions, meditate on Scripture and seek God's guidance through prayer. Be open to the insights and convictions that may arise, and humbly surrender yourself to God's work. Remember that self-reflection and prayer are ongoing processes, and it's necessary to continually seek God's guidance to uncover and address blind spots in your life.
