What Is Self-awareness And Why Everything Starts With It

Ever felt like you’re stuck in life or that you don’t know your purpose? Don’t worry; we’ve all been there. That’s where self-awareness swoops in.

To be self-aware is to deeply understand your inner workings: your thoughts, emotions, capabilities, limitations, core values, and the reasons you act the way you do

One of the well-known definitions of self-awareness is by Shelley Duval and Robert A. Wicklund, who are prominent psychologists in the field of self-awareness research. And this is how they defined self-awareness: “Self-awareness is the capacity for introspection and the ability to recognize oneself as an individual separate from the environment and other individuals. It involves being aware of your own feelings, behaviors, and thoughts and understanding how they impact yourself and others.“

Why Is Self-awareness Important?

The term “self-awareness” has gained prominence in management and leadership jargon, and it’s not without merit. However, while many leaders may brag about their self-awareness, only 10 to 15 percent, truly meet the criteria

Studies by The Eurich group indicate that having a clear understanding of oneself leads to increased confidence and inner peace. Individuals with high self-awareness tend to exhibit honesty and integrity, making them more reliable. They also excel professionally, earning promotions and becoming effective leaders. This leads to happier employees and increased company profits.

Self-awareness is crucial for effective decision-making and building meaningful relationships, and this is because it impacts many aspects:

Personal Growth: Self-awareness allows individuals to understand their strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. This knowledge is foundational for personal growth, enabling individuals to set realistic goals, work on areas that need improvement, and continually evolve.

Emotional Intelligence: Being aware of one’s own emotions and understanding how they influence behavior is a key aspect of emotional intelligence. This skill helps manage emotions effectively, make better decisions, and navigate social situations with empathy.

Effective Communication: Self-aware individuals are the best communicators. They can express themselves clearly while understanding how their words and actions impact others. They’re more open to receiving constructive feedback and can make a great impact in social and professional setups.

Adaptability: Self-awareness will help you recognize when it’s time to change your approach, adjust your behavior, or pursue new opportunities. This flexibility is vital for handling life’s complexities, both personally and professionally.

How To Become More Self-Aware?

Alright, now that we understand how pivotal self-awareness is for our personal growth, let’s roll up our sleeves and get practical. Becoming self-aware isn’t rocket science, but it does require a lot of introspection and willingness to explore the depths of your being.

You might be wondering, how self-aware am I? Consider evaluating your level of self-awareness by taking this test created iNLP Center. The assessment will help you ”become aware” of your self-awareness level, and what you can do to improve it.

Now, congrats, if you are satisfied with your self-awareness level! But if you discover that there’s some inner work to be done, here are a few suggested strategies that can assist you in enhancing your self-awareness.

1. Start Journaling

Consider starting a journaling practice. Write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Reflect on your day and jot down what made you happy, what bothered you, and what you learned. Over time, patterns will emerge, giving you precious insights into your inner world.

While writing allows individuals to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, regular writing identifies recurring patterns in thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. And these patterns offer key insights into who you are.
Writing out your thoughts can as well sharpen your verbal communication. This helps you express yourself more clearly and effectively in all your relationships and interactions

2. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment. Take some time each day to simply sit and focus on your breath, your senses, or the world around you. It helps to still the mind and allows you to observe your thoughts without judgment, revealing much about your subconscious.

Mindfulness is about fully experiencing and being aware of the present moment, and there are many ways to incorporate it in your routine.

• Daily Mindfulness Practice: Take a few minutes each day to sit in a quiet and comfortable space. Close your eyes, if you’re comfortable doing so, and focus on your breath. Feel the sensation of the breath entering and leaving your body. Notice any thoughts or sensations without judging them. Gradually, expand your awareness to your senses—what you hear, feel, smell, or taste. This practice can help you stay present and grounded in the moment.
  
• Mindful Activities: Integrate mindfulness into your daily activities. Whether it’s eating, walking, or doing household chores, bring your full attention to the task at hand. Engage your senses—notice the colors, textures, smells, or sounds associated with the activity. Avoid distractions and appreciate the experience in a mindful and non-judgmental manner.
  
• Mindfulness in Nature: Spend time outdoors and connect with nature. Take a mindful walk in a park, garden, or any natural setting. Feel the earth beneath your feet, the breeze against your skin, and the sounds of nature around you. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the beauty of your surroundings, and let go of any concerns or worries. Nature offers a perfect environment for practicing mindfulness and fostering a sense of peace.
  
• Gratitude and Mindfulness: Combine gratitude with your mindfulness practice. Each day, after your mindfulness session, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude for them. This practice enhances your awareness of the good things around you and encourages a positive mindset.

3. Seek feedback

Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from those you trust—friends, family, colleagues. They might provide perspectives on your strengths and areas for improvement that you might not have considered. It’s a valuable external viewpoint to complement your self-reflection.

Another way to get feedback is through exploring personality assessments like Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Enneagram, or StrengthsFinder. While these are not definitive, they can give you a framework to understand your personality and behaviors better.

These frameworks can offer valuable insights into how you interact with the world, how you process information, and what drives your actions. They act as a mirror, reflecting patterns and tendencies that might have eluded your awareness. While not definitive, they serve as a starting point for self-reflection, prompting you to consider and explore aspects of yourself that can significantly contribute to your self-awareness journey.

4. Embrace Solitude and Reflect on Past Experiences

Take some time for solitude, away from the noise and opinions of others. It could be a walk in the park, a weekend retreat, or a solo trip. Solitude allows you to listen to your inner voice without external influences.

Take a trip down memory lane. Reflect on past experiences, both positive and negative. What did you learn from them? How did they shape you? This retrospection can provide deep insights into your values and beliefs.

5. Practice Gratitude

Make it a habit to acknowledge and appreciate what you have. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life, making you more aware of your blessings and what truly matters to you.

Consider integrating gratitude into your daily routine for a more positive outlook on life. Start by keeping a gratitude journal, jotting down three things you’re thankful for each day—no matter how big or small. Begin your mornings by reflecting on what you appreciate about the new day, your health, loved ones, or opportunities. Take moments to express thanks to others, whether through notes, calls, or messages.

Reflect on challenges you’ve faced, finding something positive or a lesson learned from each experience. Engage in mindfulness and be present, appreciating the good things around you. Make gratitude a family affair by sharing what each member is thankful for during meals. Create a gratitude jar where you can note down positive experiences or feelings and review them later.

Use visual reminders like sticky notes or phone alerts to prompt gratitude reflections throughout the day. Even during tough times, challenge yourself to find at least one thing you’re grateful for—it could be a support system, a lesson, or a newfound strength. Give back to the community or help someone in need, fostering gratitude for what you have.

Wrap up your day by reflecting on positive experiences and expressing gratitude for them, promoting a peaceful night’s sleep. Consider dedicating a few minutes to a gratitude meditation, focusing on the things you’re thankful for and allowing those feelings to fill your mind and body. Remember, consistency is key to making gratitude a part of your everyday life.

6. Stay Curious

Curiosity isn’t just the stuff of childhood wonder—it’s a powerful mindset that can propel us into a world of continual growth and self-discovery. When you approach life with an inquisitive spirit and a desire to learn, you’re essentially stepping into a never-ending classroom where every experience is a lesson waiting to be absorbed.

Curiosity often begins with a simple question. Asking questions is like turning on a flashlight in a dark room—it illuminates what was once obscure. Question your assumptions, question societal norms, question your own beliefs. The more you question, the more you learn about yourself and the world around you.

Challenge yourself to ask deeper questions. Instead of just asking “what” or “how,” delve into the “why.” Why do you believe what you believe? Why do you react in a certain way to certain situations? The pursuit of answers to these ‘whys’ is a gateway to profound self-awareness.

7. Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling to become self-aware, seeking help from a counselor, therapist, or life coach can be immensely beneficial. They can guide you through the process and provide strategies tailored to your unique journey.

Keep in mind that understanding yourself is an ongoing journey, not a final stop. Give yourself enough time and compassion to navigate this exploration and gain a deeper insight into who you truly are.