True self-awareness begins with self-reflection, the process of examining and understanding what you think, feel and do. A lot of people are able to recognize that they think or do something but are unable to consciously change or modify it. Self-reflection means that you do the following:
- Be willing to take a candid look at yourself.
- Recognize your strengths.
- Identify your areas for improvement.
- Learn how to experience your full range of emotions.
- Find ways to identify and heal your deepest hurts.
- Stop doing things that don’t work.
- Think, feel and behave consciously and positively.
- Move from being reactive to proactive.
- Be willing to learn, grow and change.
- Be open to new experiences.
There’s a big difference between saying you’re self-aware and actually knowing who you really are. Genuine self-awareness requires constant, ongoing reflection, exploration, and an openness to new perspectives and ideas. What will you do to start your journey of self-reflection?
Cheers,
Guy
Hi Guy! I found you by searching self-awareness. I work in social services in Canada and have been feeling kind of burnt out, underappreciated by both clients and employers recently which is leading to my own self-reflection. I just facilitated a group on self-awareness and it was well received. I’ve been thinking that its a real key to positive change that clients and counsellors can grip on. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I’m developing an interest in this and am really inspired by your work. Thanks! Vikki.
Thanks for your kind words, Vikki. Congratulations on your work in social services, your self-awareness group, and on thinking about self-awareness in general. I’ve found over the years that the more people understand themselves, the better they do in their lives. Cheers, Guy.