> This is why techniques like nonviolent communication, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness have observation and introspection as a core facet, because it’s something that you have to consciously practice to become good at rather than something you’re born with.
I now tend to think that consciously observing and uncovering what you already are is really the start and end of it. One ought to try to concentrate oneself, rather than dilute oneself into something one is not. One might want to be a billionaire technologist, or sports hero, or whatever, and one might even edit oneself into something approximating that (via mentors, diligent study or whatever), but one will remain unfullfilled - for how is it possible to 'lie to' and be 'right with' oneself?