Take what you want from Self Detective. Add the important bits to your tool bag and discard the rest. There seems no point in having information just for the sake of information.

There is no right or wrong way to approach the subject of your own self, nor is anyone going to make any judgements on how you use SD.

The word ‘self’ refers to the essential qualities that make you unique. The term ‘detective’ concerns investigation, detection, finding explanations, looking for clues. Put the two together and you have the means of solving your own mysteries.

Some materials you might find useful to have around you when you are going through SD are: pens, pencils, felt-tip pens, pastels, paints, highlighter pens, notebook, diary, pieces of spare paper, graph paper, lined paper, play-dough, sculpture clay, glue, adhesive tape, putty, scissors.

In the film The Matrix (1993) a dilemma is presented to the main protagonist, Neo: Do you take the blue pill or the red one? The blue pill gives you make-belief, the red pill gives you the cold light of day and no turning back.

The choice between ignorance and reality, oblivion or truth, is an important consideration when you are embarking on your own personal development. Some information can be hot to handle. So be careful what you wish for!

Q: Given the choice between the two pills, which one do you choose?

Or would it be more realistic to give you more choices?

What about all the colours in between blue and red? What about a purple pill, a violet pill or a magenta pill?

Making an agreement (or a contract/pledge) with yourself can be a useful way to keep yourself focused while SD’ing. It can also make sure you work safely and securely. Below is a template you may wish to start on.

SELF DETECTIVE AGREEMENT

I am prepared to invest time in myself and my own well-being.
I realise that this is an extra activity and as such may well require some adjustments to my routine(s).
I will make the following adjustments:

When I do some SD work I have the following treats lined up:

If things get tough, my top three ways of coping are:

If I need time out, I will go to:

If I need to talk to someone who I trust, I can always turn to:

To ensure privacy and confidentiality I will keep my work safe and secure. The following measures are to protect any personal information falling into the wrong hands: