Insight: Why We Are Less Self-Aware Than We Think—and What to Do About It

by Tasha Eurich

KEY CONCEPTS AND TAKEAWAYS: CHAPTER 4 The Cult of Self: The societal phenomenon that tempts us all to feel special, unique, and superior. From the “Age of Effort” to the “Age of Esteem”: A widespread shift from focusing more on feeling great than becoming great. The Feel Good Effect: The tendency to see ourselves with rose-colored glasses. Selfie Syndrome: An intense self-focus that prevents us from seeing ourselves clearly. Self-presentation: Wanting to appear a certain way that is not reflective of who we really are. Resisting the Cult of Self Be an informer, not a meformer: Focusing less on ourselves and more on engaging and connecting with others Cultivate humility: Admit to our failings and put our successes in perspective Focus on self-acceptance over self-esteem: Know our flaws and choose to like ourselves anyway Tool: Monitor your inner monologue