"Pour vous trouver, vous devez d'abord admettre que vous êtes perdu."

Finding yourself begins with admitting that you're lost. This idea isn't groundbreaking, but it's powerful. It means that before you can figure out who you truly are or what you want from life, you must first acknowledge that you're currently uncertain or off-track. It's about honesty with yourself—admitting that you're not where you want to be. This admission is the first step toward real growth and self-discovery.

Historically, the concept of "finding yourself" has roots in ancient philosophy and modern psychology. Philosophers like Socrates and existentialists like Heidegger have explored self-awareness and authenticity. Remember Socrates' famous maxim, "Know thyself"? It's the same principle. You can't really know yourself if you're pretending to have all the answers or denying that you're confused.

Now think about a real-life example. Picture John, a successful lawyer in his mid-30s. On paper, he's got it all—great job, nice apartment, a social life. But he's restless, feeling like he's just going through the motions. John finally admits to himself that despite his achievements, he isn't happy. This admission is tough. It feels like failure, but really, it's the opposite. By accepting his dissatisfaction, John opens up the possibility of change. He starts exploring other interests—writing, cooking, volunteering. Over time, he discovers a passion for social work and ends up making a career shift. He's not only happier but feels more aligned with his true self.

Applying this wisdom starts with self-reflection. Take a quiet moment, away from distractions. Ask yourself, "Am I truly satisfied with where I am in life? Or am I just coasting?" If you find that you're not happy or fulfilled, don't brush it off. Write it down. Acknowledge it. This isn't about self-pity—it's about clarity. From there, start exploring. Try new things, meet new people, or even read different kinds of books. The goal isn't to find immediate answers but to open yourself up to new possibilities.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend who's feeling stuck. They tell you they hate their job, but they don't know what else to do. You might say, "Hey, it's okay to feel lost. In fact, it's probably the best place to start. You know you don't want to stay where you are—that's huge. Now, what if you tried something new, even if it's just a hobby?"

Think about it like this: Admitting you're lost is like turning on a light in a dark room. You might not see the way out immediately, but at least you can start looking around, see what's there, and figure out what direction to go. It's scary at first, but it's also liberating. You're giving yourself permission to explore, to fail, and most importantly, to grow.

So, if you're feeling off-track, embrace it. Use it as a starting point. The journey to finding yourself won't be straightforward or easy. But by admitting you're lost, you're already on your way.