Today, I want to share insights from the Mirror Self Recognition (MSR) experiment and its lessons for personal growth and overcoming stagnation.
The Mirror as a Metaphor for Life
The MSR experiment, where animals are observed reacting to their reflections, mirrors how humans interact with the truths about themselves. The Bible advises us to gaze intensely into the mirror of God’s Word. This mirror does not distort; it reflects who we are. Yet, recognizing ourselves in it takes time—just as it does for children or certain animals to pass the MSR test.
Many of us, like animals reacting aggressively or ignorantly to mirrors, fail to harness life’s opportunities because we don’t truly know ourselves. Instead of focusing on the opportunities at hand, we quarrel with imaginary enemies or internal fears.
The Power of Alertness
A lack of alertness keeps many stagnant. Consider someone who comes late to church, sleeps through the service, and only wakes to shout “Hallelujah!”. This lack of mental engagement leads to missed opportunities. Proverbs warns us about “a little sleep, a little slumber,” which results in poverty. When I didn’t have books in medical school, I would stay alert, reading after others had gone to sleep. Alertness to opportunities is vital.
Insights from the Animal Kingdom
In one MSR experiment, a female gorilla spent more time in front of a mirror than a male gorilla, which reacted aggressively. These reactions reflect deeper truths about how we respond to the “mirror of life”—facts, expert opinions, or data. Facts are stubborn; you can’t argue them away. They challenge us to adapt.
For instance, societal rules regulate marriage. If you traumatize your spouse, the law permits divorce. Some men’s reactions to such truths reveal an outdated mindset—treating their wives as property rather than partners. When confronted with these truths, many react like the gorilla, attacking the mirror instead of adjusting their behavior.
Know Yourself
One of life’s greatest tragedies is not knowing who you are. True self-awareness comes when you look into the mirror of God’s Word, mentorship, or statistical realities. The day you truly know yourself is the day you unlock your potential.
I’ve often been told I’m not “normal.” Frankly, I’m not. My reasoning is different, and I’ve embraced it. I avoid certain gatherings because I know I don’t think like everyone else. This isn’t arrogance; it’s self-awareness. I’ve learned to preserve my sanity by staying true to who I am.
The Lion Among Sheep
The story of a lion raised among sheep illustrates how many people are trapped by their environment. The lion, seeing its reflection for the first time, initially ran in fear. Over time, it recognized its true identity and roared. Similarly, many of us are lions living like sheep, caged by societal, familial, or religious limitations. It’s time to cross the river, embrace your true identity, and roar.
Overcoming Social Acrophobia
Social acrophobia, a term I coined, is the fear of climbing higher social heights. Growing up in Nigeria, from a minority tribe and a poor background, can instill such fears. But when the image of your potential becomes clear, you must rise beyond these limitations. Don’t die as a sheep when you were born to be a lion.
Final Thoughts
Take a moment to look into the mirror of your life. Are you living as your true self, or are you caged by the opinions and limitations of others? Gaze intensely into the mirror of God’s Word, reflect on your reality, and step into your destiny.
God bless you.
