The shocking truth about self-awareness. (And what to do about it)

Developing Self-Awareness: Tools and Practices for Growth

Do you consider yourself self-aware? According to organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich, 95% of people believe they are. However, her research reveals a surprising truth: only 10-15% of people actually possess true self-awareness.

You may already know that 95% of our brain activity is subconscious. This means that many of our reactions, habits, and patterns stem from past experiences rather than conscious choices. If you've ever felt like you're living "Groundhog Day" or feeling stuck, it might be because your subconscious is leading the way.

Self-awareness is crucial for success and life satisfaction. Those who are more self-aware tend to achieve greater success at work, in their personal lives, and even with their finances. By understanding our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, we can make conscious choices that align with our values and goals. Over the next several weeks, we will explore the importance of self-awareness and delve into practical tools and reflective practices to enhance it.

Promoting Self-Awareness

Tools for Increasing Self-Awareness

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Regular practice can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, leading to greater emotional regulation and clarity. Start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase the duration. Meditation has so many health benefits as well, helping to regulate our nervous system. It can feel intimidating to start, so if that is you, remember that there is no wrong way to meditate, and the more you do it, the more you will understand what meditation looks like for you. 

2. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and experiences can provide valuable insights into your patterns and triggers. Set aside time each day to journal about your experiences, emotions, and reflections. Over time, you will notice recurring themes and areas for growth. Having specific journals can help you to see these patterns more easily. A journal dedicated to the things that are setting you off, or the things that light you up is a great start. 

3. Feedback from Others: Sometimes, our blind spots are best revealed through the perspectives of others. Seek feedback from people who you admire and respect and be honest about what you are looking for. Working with therapists and coaches who are unbiased help you to see the patterns that you can’t see on your own much faster than trying to find them on your own. 

4. Personality Assessments: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Enneagram can offer insights into your personality traits and tendencies. While these assessments are not definitive, they can serve as a starting point for understanding your behaviors and motivations.

It's important to remember that the patterns and choices holding you back once served a purpose. When you're ready to release a pattern or thought, acknowledge how it helped you in the past and express gratitude. Then, identify a new pattern or thought to replace the old one. Without this replacement, the old habit may return to fill the void.

Reflective Practices for Ongoing Growth

1. Daily Reflection: Take a few minutes at the end of each day to reflect on your experiences. Ask yourself questions like, "What went well today?" "What challenges did I face?" and "What can I learn from these experiences?" This practice can help you become more aware of your actions and their impact.

2. Setting Intentions: Begin each day by setting intentions. Identify what you hope to achieve and how you want to show up in your interactions. This practice can help you stay focused and aligned with your values throughout the day. A question I like to ask is “What is the most important part of my day?” 

3. Mindful Breathing: Incorporate mindful breathing exercises into your routine. When you feel overwhelmed or stressed, take a few deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. This simple practice can ground you and bring your awareness back to the present moment. 

4. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to assess your progress. Consider using a self-assessment tool or creating a personal development plan. Regularly reviewing your goals and achievements can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments. A wonderful new app I have started using is called “How We Feel.” It is free and allows you to set up several check ins during the day to help see some of your patterns. 

Developing self-awareness is a continuous journey that requires patience and commitment. By incorporating these tools and practices into your daily routine, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and unlock your full potential.

I invite you to explore my website further to discover more resources on self-awareness and personal development. If you’re interested in receiving weekly insights and tips, sign up for my newsletter. If you are ready for a jump start on your self-awareness journey, I offer 1:1 coaching sessions that will certainly speed up your results!

Stay tuned for next week's blog post, where we will continue our exploration of self-awareness. Let's embark on this journey together!