As we journey through life, we often get caught up in the urge to succeed quickly or follow popular trends. However, before honing technical skills or pursuing external validation, there's one thing that's just as important: knowing yourself.

Self-knowledge isn't just a casual reflection. It's an ongoing process that underpins every decision—from choosing a career and determining a direction for your studies, to designing a true future. When we understand who we are, our strengths, and what makes us unique, every step in life becomes clearer and more meaningful.

Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses

The first step in self-awareness is recognizing our strengths and weaknesses. No one excels in all areas. Perhaps you're good at visualization but less comfortable managing administrative details; or vice versa. Recognizing this helps us focus on what's truly important, rather than being distracted by things that don't fit.

Finding Your Creative Voice

Amidst the flood of information and work, what sets us apart is our unique voice—a product of our life experiences, values, and personal perspectives. This space provides space for authentic creativity.

Take Singgih Kartono, for example. Founder of Magno and Spedagi , he combines local materials and craftsmanship to create designs with storytelling. More than product design, he builds living models—where the village where he was born is not just a backdrop, but a creative medium and a sustainable community.  .

Setting Aligned Goals

Many people pursue goals based on others' expectations—from prestigious careers to online popularity. However, real goals are those that align with who we are. This is where motivation stems from—not recognition, but meaning.

Framework: Ikigai and Life Purpose

The Japanese concept of Ikigai helps balance four elements: what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs, and what can support our lives. Knowing ourselves is the first step to finding that common ground. Without this understanding, we can easily drift; with it, we can live with greater awareness.

Resilience and Real Career Decisions

Every journey has its challenges—rejection, deadlines, crises, and so on. Knowing ourselves strengthens our resilience and provides clarity in decisions: is teamwork better or independent, is a formal or flexible environment more suitable?

Reflection: What Did You Discover About Yourself?

Building a career isn't just about skills or trends, but about understanding who we are and what we want to bring to the world. From there, the foundation for true success is laid.

Reflection: What's one thing about yourself you've recently realized—and how might it guide your next career choice?