Can you look in the mirror and honestly know who you see? Do you look hard enough to see the success with the flaws and the beauty of being unique? Would you be afraid to write down your weaknesses and vulnerabilities to develop your strengths? When you look closely in the mirror and from within, do you see the person your family sees, your coworkers interact with, and your community trusts? Can you search through yourself with insightful honesty?
What is self-awareness for you?
Self-awareness is the recognition of everything that makes you who you are. Self-awareness is the unique ability to take an honest look at yourself and determine what makes you different from everyone around you.
How to look at yourself honestly
As children, we were taught that we are all different and that is what makes us unique. But can you honestly say that you’ve done a bit of “conscience searching” or self-reflection to find out what exactly our parents and teachers were talking about?
- What kind of parent are you?
- Are you a good coworker?
- Do you understand the feelings you are having?
- What triggers specific emotions?
- What kind of personality do you have?
- What do you value most?
- When do you feel weak and most vulnerable?
- Can you identify your challenges?
- What do you need to be happy?
- How is your relationship with your family, your co-workers, your community and your spirituality?
Take a mental inventory of these key points or write them down in a journal. The freedom of pen to paper is a powerful tool. We learn things about ourselves and our emotions that we may not have connected with before. Writing within the blank canvas of a notebook, or on the back of any blank sheet, unlocks a new understanding of yourself. You are able to express yourself and your emotions without fear of being judged or rejected.
Why self-awareness is important
Self-awareness is important for improving ourselves and our relationships with others. When we are honest with who we are, we can be honest with everyone else. Self-awareness helps us recognize what others see in us. When we know who we really are, we can work to achieve goals, recognize obstacles, and build a stronger foundation at home, at work, and within our communities. Self-awareness builds an honest and trusting relationship with yourself.
Help to look at yourself from the inside
After you’ve taken an inventory of yourself, your feelings, and your relationships, seek help from professionals who can help you put all those pieces together. Sometimes we need motivation and a support team to help us identify who we are. 360-degree feedback is a methodology to help you on your self-awareness journey. It is a powerful concept that brings together people you trust around you who care about your growth and development to help give you a complete understanding of yourself. 360-degree feedback is the boost you’ve been looking for and the support team you never knew you had on your side.