Often the reason we struggle with others is that we haven't taken the time to understand ourselves. Without relying on generic affirmations, life hacks, or a one-size fits all step-by-step approach, The Power of Understanding Yourself explores a proven process that encourages the reader to achieve a deeper understanding of why you behave the way you do and offers a path for changing unwanted behaviors in order to live a more rewarding life.

In this life-changing and highly entertaining book, author Dave Mitchell offers an in-depth exploration of the metacognition process using humorous stories, high impact exercises and entertaining analogies from winemaking. Simply defined, metacognition is thinking about how you think and differs from mere self-awareness which most of us possess to one degree or another. Self-awareness is the attribute of knowing how you behave but not why you exhibit certain behaviors. The metacognition approach can help anyone examine their behaviors, explore what formed their behaviors, question if these behaviors are useful, and consider how they can be changed if they are barriers to reaching your life's promise.

We all become the individuals we are because of our experiences. We spend our formative years doing, seeing, hearing and learning things and developing cognitive schemas that allow us to make sense of our experiences, determine how to behave, and process future events. The individual, unique Me is formed by both our experiences and the process by which we create the cognitive schemas to define, process, and respond to them. Just as wine is a product of both the grapes and the winemaker's efforts, we are the product of our experiences and the way we process them.

The Power of Understanding Yourself is a hands-on guide filled with reflections and exercises that explain how to put the metacognitive process into action. You will uncover the elements of your essence, learn how to use your unique gift, and determine if you have truly found Me. This remarkable process also gives insight into what may be holding you back and helps to discover things about yourself that you may not be using to their full potential. You will learn how to convert your experiences into your best Me.

Once you tap into the metacognitive process, you can return to the book's reflections and exercises again and again. You can continue to take stock of your life, evolve, and grow. The power of understanding yourself is not a moment in time, but an amazing process spanning your entire life.

Praise for THE POWER OF understanding YOURSELF

"Dave's understanding of human behavior is only outmatched by his personality, charm, wisdom and wit. His ability to connect with individuals, teams and organizations, while truly entertaining them, makes his concepts even more impactful. Dave cuts to the soul and spirit of the human experience in today's complex business world and immediately connects with his audience. I highly recommend Dave as a speaker, as well as his books, for any individual or group looking to improve the results they aspire to achieve."
--Brian Bergdoll, svp of sales, BMC Software

"Through his training and writing, Dave Mitchell speaks practically and powerfully about the interior work of cultivating one's best self. His offering, firmly grounded in social science, and his comedic approach makes the sometimes-daunting work of personal development more accessible. Dave's unique blend of storytelling and educating creates lasting benefits for individuals and organizations. When you work with Dave, you learn, you laugh and you're inspired to do big work."
--Elisabeth Sasser, executive vice president, The Sunrock Group, former adjunct professor, Duke University

"There is only one Dave Mitchell! Dave is a normal guy, with an extraordinary talent for communicating and a unique style of 'enter-training' his audience. Culture and communication are paramount for any successful organization, and Dave's books and programs will always be included in the toolkit I use to design and implement a successful team spirit. Dave is hilarious and insanely talented, and over the years has become one of my favorite humans!"
--Brian Keesee, vice president and general manager, PCI Pharma Services

"During my career, I've managed organizations and sales forces in the Americas, Europe and India and Dave's training has been extremely valuable to me at every stop. Building cooperative and cohesive teams is not always easy, especially when they are generated through acquisitions, and Dave has helped me tremendously in these efforts. The principles of his training are universal and applicable across all cultures and businesses, which is a must for any successful global organization."
--Stu Needleman, chief commercial officer, Piramal Pharma Solutions

"I have seen Dave's teaching allow people to better understand themselves, enabling the opportunity for good to happen in their lives and improve their relationships with others. Without question, Dave's ability to teach wisdom with humor was an important part of their journey. I continue to use what I learned in Dave's seminars and books."
--Chris Rucker, chief operating officer, Jordan Health Service