"Above all else, know thyself." (Socrates)
Once you are fully aware of, and accept the thoughts you have, the emotions you feel, and the things you do, you can move to the next step in the process of self-mastery: Self knowledge.
Seek to understand before to be understood.
Once you understand how specifically you operate, and what motivates you (core beliefs and values) you maximize your innate ability to grow and change. Understanding precedes change!
On your path to self-mastery, it is important to avoid judgment and find value in all expressions and experiences of your life. Seeking to understand is not about trying to identify what is right or wrong. True self-mastery lies in the awareness that you can view each experience in life as a useful and necessary opportunity to grow and evolve.
We all have a positive purpose in life. Identifying, acknowledging and understanding this positive intention allows you to experience and appreciate the inner power of all that you are.