Study Yourself: The Benefits of Self Awareness
Do you know yourself? Really consider this question; and feel free to ask it, if necessary. It’s very easy to walk throughout life knowing many people and a lot of things yet still be uninformed about your true self. In today’s society, external success is applauded and because of that, one can be void of understanding their own core beliefs, ways of doing life, and what it means to be them. Discovering who you are is well worth the investment of time, energy, and resources. Identity shapes the world around you and the way in which you experience it. One of the most important people you'll ever get to know is you. Check out these tips on studying yourself and the benefits of self-awareness.
Pay Attention. The most basic tool in self-awareness is paying attention. As you go on throughout the day, pay attention to your mood, thoughts, and behavior (this includes your conversation and actions). This is easier to do during extreme emotions and transitional times of the day. For example, being conscious of your thoughts when you wake up and your mood right before you go to sleep are easy to remember; in addition to when you are experiencing extreme emotions such as excitement or sorrow. Start to complete a self-check-in by looking at how you’re thinking, speaking and what you physically do as a response to these moods and moments.
Ask Questions: Why do you do what you do? This is powerful question because it grants the opportunity to explore your intentions and if your behavior and thoughts are even valid. It’s also a chance to hone in on what's healthy and profitable in regards to mindset and behavior. When asking questions don’t immediately try to answer them yourself; allow the inquiry to sit for a while. When the answer bubbles up to the surface, journal it and continue to seek deeper knowledge in that particular area. You will be surprised that some of what you do is out of habit, culture, or tradition. It creates space for major change and breakthrough.
Apply Your Discoveries. Once you discover some new truths, core beliefs, and what you value most, begin to apply what you discover. It is one thing to know something and another to apply what has been learned. The simplest way to begin applying the truth is to respond to it. You will find that most of life happens in our response. This can be a response to an idea, comment, or emotion – life is a reflection of how you respond to stimuli. Once you know the truth, begin to respond to it. The more you respond, the more it becomes a habit and the more you get to live a life of freedom.
LifeWork
Apply the tips mentioned in this Quick Read for 3 – 5 days and journal your experience.
Some questions to ask are:
Am I my full self in every situation?
Is self-discovery of personal value to me?
Do my life and actions reflect my core beliefs/values?
What's my why (pertaining to specific ares in life/personality)?
How do I currently access my personal development and growth?
What are some areas of ease/difficulty that I face in being my unique self?
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Get your soft cover LifeClub (Greatness is Intentional) Journal here. Related Show: Episode 70: True Self-Awareness.
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Tashima Jones is an author and life coach who focuses on personal development and building inner-wealth. Tap here for more on her coaching sessions. Not a Member? Join the Club here.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.