We hear a lot about self-awareness these days. You should have it, you should work on it and improve it. It is a vital key to living a life you truly love but why and how can you develop self-awareness? Is not everyone aware of themselves? Well, Yes and No.
What is Self-Awareness?
Self-Awareness is not only knowing that you are an individual but also understanding and owning your feelings and your role in your life and the life of others. With this comes an understanding that we have the power to change who we are and who we represent in life. You also understand that your actions in life create a reaction and an outcome.
A lack of self-awareness shows in blaming others for the outcome of your own life that you do not matter, that you are never able to change the destination of your life. Of course, significant others in our lives help us create our perception of the world. However, we make a decision to either take this perception on or questioning it and changing it. A self-aware person will examine the things they do and why they do them. A self-aware person permits themselves to learn, being open-minded and taking charge in their life.
Why should we work on our self-awareness?
The majority of us are looking for identification and worthiness in the outside world either through acceptance of others, a well-paid job, what education, occupation or skills we have. When we lose these identification labels either through a relationship breakup, getting fired or failing an exam or test our self-awareness or perception of ourselves starts to wobble. Some of us even will get into an identification crisis when they lose any of these status symbols. A self-aware person understands that failure will happen in life and that they are not the only one that will fail or lose something in life. Self-awareness will improve self-confidence, self-love, and compassion. As a person with high self-awareness, you will live who you truly are, and you are not afraid to show your true self.
How can you improve self-awareness?
- Be aware of how you feel. Learn to be comfortable to say how you feel. Write a journal, reflect on your day. When you journal you understand how feelings are connected to specific events or people. And with this, you can make more informed choices in either cutting toxic people out of your life or inviting uplifting and high-vibe people or situations into your life.
- Write down who do you think you are in this world. What labels are you giving to yourself? Explore it from an observer point of view. How do you know that your perception is correct? You could ask close friends, how they perceive you and compare that with your labels and understanding of yourself. But please do not forget that the close friends you ask for feedback also filter you through their perception of their needs. A good indicator that shows that you are indeed the person you believe you are is that you are living the life that comes with those labels.
- Work on letting go of the past. Especially if you identify yourself with being the person you were when you were younger. We all change. You could be a completely different person now than three years ago.
- Own your weaknesses and strengths. Yes, know your weaknesses, but also highlight your strengths. Do not hide who you are. And please overall do not fake the person you want to become, instead of it say that you are on a journey to become a better version of you. Do not “fake it till you make it” rather “faith it till you make it.”
- Do not take criticism personally. Labels other people give you are their perception, not yours. When we feel insulted or misjudged self-doubt could arise in believing that those negative labels might be correct. A self-aware person is genuinely anchored in their understanding of who they are and negativity will not destroy this.
- Practice compassion not only to the people around you but include yourself in it too.
Have fun to explore who you are. Out of all of it, journaling is my favorite it helps you to reflect on your whole day and your entire journey of becoming the YOU that you truly are.
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Article written by Jennifer White of Strong Heart Awakening. Jennifer White Ad. Dip. Psych. is a global human potential thought leader, blogger, Psychological Therapist with CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) skills, Life 
Coach and Public and Motivational Speaker. Jennifer White has experience in counseling and coaching people with substance misuse, anxiety and depression. She is currently working as a self-employed Psychological Therapist and Life Coach in her practice, helping people reaching their real potential. She holds public and motivational speeches and shared her ideas with other speakers on the stage of the Celebrate Your Life event in Arizona 2016. She runs successfully her self-development and self-help groups on- and offline.
©Love Wide Open
