Google the Soul: 20 Tools for Self-Illumination and decode your inner world - Episode 2
Understand the pros and cons of 20 tools, from scientific assessments to methods that delve into the subconscious, in order to understand yourself and the world around you.
Googling the world outside is easy. You open your laptop or unlock your phone, hit a single click, you can dive freely into humanity’s ocean of knowledge. On the internet, almost everything is readily accessible.
But ‘Googling the inside’ is often a difficult search for many people. It’s difficult because not every question is answered honestly. Even when you hold in your hands tools that seem perfect, like a lifeline, you still flounder to reflect on yourself, unsure of what is the truth and what is merely a misconception.
It’s not a coincidence that I’ve ‘experienced’ these ‘self-understanding’ tools and ‘personal development’ programs. While working with the youth and clients, I noticed that each age group carries its own unique concerns about identity themselves, yet they all coincidentally seek out one, a few, or all of these instruments: from scientific assessments like MBTI, DISC, and StrengthsFinder, to reflective methods like Tarot, Points of You, or numerology, etc.
Self-understanding is like having a compass that helps you stop holding yourself to harsh expectations (which is different from aspiration or beautiful ambition, which is pure energy), allowing you to walk through life with deep inner strength.
Based on my understanding gained from reading, researching, applying these tools, and participating in specialized training programs, I’m sharing with you an approach to these instruments and methods. A way to Google your inner world, to decode what is hidden deep beneath the iceberg of your subconscious with balance, courage, and genuine goodwill toward your own life.
The tools and methods are categorized into 3 main groups as presenting below:
Group 1: Core Personality and Tendencies/ Temperament
Big Five (OCEAN), Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), MBTI & 16 Personalities, DISC, Enneagram
Group 2: Motivation and Orientation Assessment
John Holland (RIASEC), Strength Finder (Gallup), Grit Scale, Personal Value Assessment (PVA), Ikigai
Group 3: Exploring Potential and Perspective
Meditation & Contemplation, Family Tree Analysis (Genogram), Wheel of Life, Neuro-Linguistic Programming - NLP, Points Of View (PoV), Dreams Signs Symbol Interpretation (UCM), Silva Method, Numerology, Fingerprint Biometrics (Dermatoglyphics), Tarot
How to Effectively “Google Your Inner Self”
To effectively “reflect on” yourself, you need to combine tools from multiple groups:
Use Group 1 to understand who you fundamentally are and how you react.
Use Group 2 to orient your actions and develop the capacity to achieve goals.
Use Group 3 to explore perspectives and heal issues originating from the subconscious.
6. John Holland (RIASEC)
Definition
The John Holland Vocational Interest Test was first researched in the 1970s by psychologist John Holland, specializing in the field of career guidance. He conducted 720 research samples based on the logical foundation of behavior, interests, and strengths, and categorized them into 6 general occupational groups.
He based his work on the theory that career choice is an extension of personality, and that people will be successful in environments that are congruent with their personality.
Methodology
The model classifies interests and work environments into 6 types (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) – RIASEC.
Application
The John Holland test helps you connect your personal interests with the most suitable occupational groups and work environments, especially supporting young people in understanding their potential and tendencies for their future careers.
Reliability
John Holland based his work on practical research with a strong focus on the career field. This assessment, or an updated and expanded version of the RIASEC model, is utilized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration in the ‘Interests’ section of the free online database O*NET (Occupational Information Network) since its establishment in the late 1990s. It is widely used in schools and career counseling firms worldwide.
It holds high scientific reliability in the field of career counseling and orientation.
Do the test
Approximate duration: 20-30 minutes
Reference sources:
Holland, J. (1985). Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
7. Strength Finder (CliftonStrengths)
Definition
Developed by Donald O. Clifton and Gallup, based on extensive research of successful individuals to find common patterns in their talents.
Methodology
Focuses on identifying and developing an individual’s 34 potential talent themes (Talents), rather than focusing on weaknesses.
Application
Strength Finder helps you identify and optimize your core strengths to achieve the highest performance in work and life.
Reliability
Possesses high validity and reliability in coaching applications, leadership development, and team building.
Do the test
Reference sources:
Report: How Employees’ Strengths Make Your Company Stronger (Gallup Corporation)
Need A Career Tuneup? Gallup’s Tom Rath Has A Quiz For You (Forbes)
Work With Strengths To Enhance Organizational Happiness Index (Forbes)
8. Grit Scale
Definition
Developed by psychologist Angela Duckworth, based on research showing that success depends not only on talent but also on passion and sustained effort.
Methodology
The scale assesses Grit – the combination of long-term Passion and enduring Perseverance.
Application
The Grit Scale helps you evaluate your ability to maintain motivation and consistency toward long-term goals, helping you identify areas where willpower needs training.
Reliability
Possesses high scientific validity, serving as a significant predictor of success in education and career.
Do the test
Approximate duration: 20-30 minutes
Reference sources:
9. Ikigai (Japanese Model)
Definition
Ikigai is a Japanese philosophical concept, understood as “a reason for being” or purpose in life.t.
Methodology
The model is an intersection of 4 factors: What you love, What you are good at, What the world needs, and What you can be paid for.
Application
Ikigai helps you find balance and purpose in life comprehensively, aiding in choosing a career path that brings both joy and value to society.
Reliability
This is not a scientific measurement tool, but holds high philosophical and orientational value in personal development.
Reference sources:
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Joyful Life (The Government of Japan)
10. Personal Value Assessment (PVA)
Definition
A tool often used in coaching and organizational development to clarify individual and group values, pioneered by researchers like Barrett Values Centre.
Methodology
The tool helps identify core personal values that the individual truly cherishes and relies on to make decisions in life.
Application
PVA ensures alignment between goals and life values, reducing internal conflict and increasing decision-making clarity.
Reliability
Good internal consistency, highly practical in coaching for identifying motivational drivers.
Reference sources:
Recommendation
Use the assessment results as a reference to gain some understanding of yourself, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses in order to improve yourself.
Avoid rigidly labeling yourself according to the assessment results, as this can limit your potential for personal development.
Relax your thoughts and be honest with yourself when answering.
Choose a quiet space when taking the assessment.
Select assessments that have substantial scientific research backing them and a reliable sample size.
Opt for licensed versions of the assessments whenever possible.
Seek out specialists, consultants, or coaches with professional expertise and experience to understand the results from various insightful perspectives.
Read full episodes: Google the Soul: Tools for Self-Illumination and decode your inner world