Would you tell me more about "self-concept" and how you are using this tool?

Ive been going through this process as well and just a tip.... When I notice things about myself I don't like I try to accept them and not change them, but transform them. For example, I'm a control freak. I will probably always be a control freak. But if I accept that, I can channel it into something useful like being super organized and on top of things, not to try and micromanage others, etc. not sure if you have experience with the twelve steps of recovery, but step 4 is taking a moral inventory of yourself. Basically what you're saying, taking a good hard look at yourself, good and bad. Best of luck!

Ps. A good way to start this examination is to think about things that cause emotion in you. Do you have a resentment? Then ask yourself why and figure out what aspect of your personality is causing this. What brings you joy? What makes you scared, sad, nervous? These feelings will show you who you are. Either by thought patterns or personality traits. Thought patterns can be changed, but it's hard. Personality cannot, but it can be channelled. I would journal about it and make sure you have a good self care program in place first because sometimes it is difficult to see parts of ourselves, good or bad.

I focus on creative work, something that brings me pleasure. It takes "me" outside myself and puts "me" into something larger, that I find more important, that means something to me. I make work a priority. Maybe that's not the healthiest approach lol.

Wow belovely, your post has greatly helped me!! To accept the things about myself that I don't like, so I can channel them... wow!! I was just bitching to someone the other day about the things about me that make me feel different than almost everyone else in the entire world!! These things have caused me tons of depression and a feeling of separateness that I am starting to see is unneeded. Now to turn that around will be the next big task!! But I think acceptance is where we need to start. I have always felt this way, yet somehow I never "got it" that these things I resent most about myself are the very things I can accept and channel... wow!!! Belovely, I feel like you are an angel dropped out of heaven, that is how amazing these truths are to me!!!
Hugs, JenLeslie

Just like to add, stefanie, that my self-concept emerges when I'm physically exercising. During exercise, I push through real physical pain, and go to some really dark, primordial and powerful places within myself.

What emerges is I see a person within the former shell that is way more strong, more willing to experience pain and not be afraid of it, and more tender and loving than I've ever known before.

I can't preach enough about the positive, powerful benefits of physical exercise. It gets "you" in touch with "you", as well as, if you believe in such, God.