Do you consider yourself Self-Aware? Statistics reveal a stark reality: while "95% of people believe they are self-aware, only 10-15% actually are." This discrepancy often manifests in the lack of consideration in the world and hiding behind so many masks to protect ourselves until no one knows who the hell you really are. But let me pause and ask: Do you know who you are? Not just the surface persona, but who are you at your core? Genuine self-awareness extends beyond just understanding how you present yourself; it's about being conscious of your strengths, weaknesses, behavior, character, feelings, motives, and desires. It's about having the courage to embrace all aspects of yourself, not just the parts that conform to social norms.
Did you know that the "S" in "SHERO" represents a woman who embodies self-awareness? This self-awareness serves as the cornerstone for achieving fulfillment and success in life. Individuals with a heightened level of self-awareness tend to navigate challenges more effectively, make better decisions, and maintain healthier relationships.
Self-awareness comprises two critical components: internal and external. Internally, it involves recognizing your emotions, thoughts, and values. Personally, I've come to understand that I can sometimes appear detached, which used to hinder my ability to empathize. However, by being intentional on increasing my level of self-awareness, I've consciously worked on this aspect of myself and am a better person for it. Engaging in introspection was crucial for me to cultivate this internal self-awareness.
External self-awareness is all about comprehending how others perceive you, understanding your impact on them, and assessing whether your actions align with their perceptions. It's interesting to note that people often perceive me as nice and I enjoy this fact because I am accepted more socially and it makes it easier for others to interact with me, however, it doesn’t reflect the full truth of who I am. I’m nice because I believe the world needs more nice people in it. I don’t like discord and want to resolve issues diplomatically. I don’t think a lot about negative things or people, and I genuinely feel blessed with the life I live. But my nice persona can be confusing to others when I show them the no-bullshit side of me that will either withdraw completely or release my sharp tongue and natural wit, people are caught off guard. What can I say, I am a work in progress, ever evolving.
Developing self-awareness is an ongoing journey and we all have work to do. If you are looking to improve your internal or external self-awareness, here are some steps to initiate the process:
Mindfulness Practices: Take a few minutes a day to engage in things like meditation, prayer, journaling, or reflect inward and observe your own thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Get Feedback: Actively seek constructive feedback from people your trust and respect. This will help you to see what you don’t see (your blind spots).
Reflect on things that happened: Think about your reactions, emotions, and behaviors in certain situations that you have been in, this will help you get a deeper insight of yourself.
Personality Assessments: Take a personality test to learn more about yourself.
Embrace Vulnerability: Social media has really got us thinking that your flaws and imperfections make you less than. But the only way to become greater is to accept who you are, flaws and all for a deeper understanding of self and authenticity.
Self-awareness can be a powerful tool for personal growth and fulfillment if you want it to be. Understanding yourself better leads to informed choices, better relationships, and a more meaningful life. Embracing this journey of self-discovery paves the way for more rewarding experiences. I challenge you to it.
Comments