What is Self-Awareness and How to Harness it?
SUMMARY: we will be looking into the true meaning of self-awareness, its impact on our lives, and simple ways to develop it as we uncover myths that surround it.
SELF-AWARENESS: THECONFUSED CONCEPT
Nowadays, the word “self-awareness”, is thrown around a lot but do we really understand self-awareness, or we are unaware of “self-awareness” itself. Let’s solve this by looking at its theory.
THEORY OF SELF AWARENESS
Self-awareness, it’s based on the concept that we are separate from our thoughts and feelings, we are the ones observing them. We either evaluate ourselves (to the standard we set for ourselves) or observe the external environment at any given point at the moment. Self-awareness is related to examining oneself, it means to evaluate and compare one’s behaviour, feelings, and thoughts to standards that they specified for themselves.
To put it simply, comparing yourself to what you think you are. Self-awareness is not judging oneself but looking and seeing yourself for who you really are. Playing on your known strengths while acknowledging your weaknesses.
THE OBSTACLE BETWEEN SELF-AWARENESS
Though most of us think we are self-aware, we are not even close. Research conducted on 5000 people revealed: many people taught they were self-aware but only 10 to 15 % were.
Most people are not honest with themselves because they become modest and undermine their good side or they allow ego to get the best of them.
Though we know everything about ourselves we really don’t know ourselves. Isn’t it ironic.
IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF SELF-AWARENESS
“ KNOW THYSELF”
The importance of self-awareness is extreme. It’s an important journey one must make. As those who can’t understand themselves, will never understand the world, and even if they do, will they be happy about their destination?
FOUNDATION OF MEANINGFUL AND JOYFUL LIFE
The brain works best in a positive environment. Mental health is essential for a good life.
If we think clearly we will understand ourselves and make our lives meaningful with a purpose. Self-aware people, therefore, live relatively much more meaningful lives with a higher sense of pride in what they do.
These people are not vulnerable to social pressure.
Toxic criticism does not affect them as they know themselves and if you understand yourself you would know that the random slanders are just un-true words.
EVOLVED PROBLEM MANAGEMENT SKILL
The better you understand yourself and life the more you will excel in it.
Thus self-aware people perform better cause they know and understand themselves and the root cause of problems they face. This enables them to counter these problems properly. They know if the issue is external or if it’s their mistake.
These people are better at handling problems like stress and experience less frustration.
DEVELOPING SELF AWARENESS
SELF REFLECTION
Take 15 MINUTES out of your day to examine yourself objectively ( without being influenced by personal emotions or feelings)and ask yourself,
What are my values? What is most important to me?
This is important, though sometimes it’s hard to make time, once you develop this habit it will impact your self-awareness and ultimately life tremendously.
“ WHY? “ VS “ WHAT?”
The tremendous change will only occur if you do it right. As you develop the habit of self-reflection don’t ask yourself “why ?” as they often invoke negative feelings and insecurities instead you can ask “what ?”.
A simple example would be asking yourself “What made me angry?”, this would help you understand your emotions and response.
Instead, if you asked yourself “why am I angry?” You might get negative thoughts leading you astray from the situation’s truth.
JOURNALING
A more truthful and better way is to also Write how you feel, the things you are proud of, things you are good at, and the ones you want to improve. Every night before going to bed write down the failures and victories of the day and how you feel. This will enable growth and you will push forward in understanding your emotions.
MEDITATION
Meditation increases focus. This makes your mind clear of negative thoughts. You will enable greater control over your thoughts allowing you to introspect in an effective and better way.
ASKING OTHERS ABOUT YOU
Ask friends and family about your behaviours and habits. It’s your job to create an environment in which they will honestly open up to you, otherwise, it would not be very useful if they Lack honesty thinking they might hurt your feelings.
The more close a person is to you the better. Take their opinions constructively enabling yourself to improve.
SUMMARY
Self-awareness is not judging yourself but simply noticing your thoughts and feelings. It’s the foundation for great mental health and peaceful life. Gradually it improves the thought pattern allowing you to solve problems easily.
The benefits can be obtained by simple activities like meditation,
self-reflection, and asking others for feedback. As you start doing these things you will see a drastic change in your quality of life. As you begin the journey to understanding yourself remember one thing,
Happiness has always been inside us we just never look there for it.