know one's own mind

Idioms  

1. Be certain about what one wants; be decisive. For example, Don't ask him; he's so tired that he doesn't know his own mind, or She certainly knows her own mind when it comes to giving stage directions. This term was first recorded in 1824.

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Example Sentences

If it can be useful to know one’s own mind, we also need leaders who are flexible, who have the ability to listen and adapt.

From Los Angeles Times

He asserted that to know one's own mind is to know the whole universe, and that that knowledge is imparted to us by revelations and illuminations of the gods.

From Project Gutenberg

The point of contact between Spinoza and the spiritual movement which we are studying is found in his central principles that God is the prius of all finite reality, that to know things or to know one's own mind truly is to know God, and that a man who has formed a pure love for the eternal is above the variations of temporal fortune, is not disturbed in spirit by changes in the object of his love, but loves with a love which eternally feeds the soul with joy.

From Project Gutenberg

It is well, at least, to know one's own mind, madame!

From Project Gutenberg

One's, His Whether we should say "One ought to know one's own mind," or "One ought to know his own mind," is a question that the critics have earnestly discussed, but have never settled, except as each settles it for 51 himself.

From Project Gutenberg