Self-awareness is an ongoing journey informed by our personality and core values. As much as we’d like to take a class and check off self-awareness from our to-do list, it can’t be done. Our understanding of self is ever-evolving which means we can never just check it off and walk away from it. It needs constant attention. The good news is that with proper attention, self-awareness continues to drive our personal and professional growth to new levels.
It’s easy to neglect self-awareness and get caught up in the cut and dry labels we give ourselves and the people in our lives. We simply cannot declare that we are red, or a D, or an introvert/ extravert. These labels are usually more about excusing ill-behavior than becoming aware of our actions and the impact they have on our success and the success of others.
At our core, we are humans who are constantly growing and experiencing life and thus always changing. Once we think we are certain of who we are, life throws a curve-ball our way and we shift and adjust to the circumstance, consequently closing the door a bit on our awareness. It takes many pauses in our life to check-in on ourselves with moments to reflect on who we are, our purpose, and our values.
We need to assess if we are living in alignment and working to fulfill our dreams and our purpose while adhering to our values. Ask:
- Are we using our strengths, are we scrutinizing possible blind spots that have crept in and sabotaging our success or the progress of others we interact with?
- Are we being honest about our weaknesses?
- Are they real weaknesses or just excuses to get out of doing things we do not want to do?
Remember that self-awareness is about honesty with ourselves and then doing something about the answers. It’s a humbling experience. We are all human and to be human is to be humble! The problem is that too many of us want to be super human. We were not created to be everything and do everything perfect. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and what you are still learning. Believe it or not, it is much easier and more relaxing than wearing blinders or pretending you are something you are not.
Take time to reflect on who you are. My suggestion is to hire a coach and carve out guided time to reconnect with you making sure the ship is sailing in the direction to meet your dreams. Utilize a personality assessment that doesn’t box you in to one type or another like Lumina Spark. Beginning this journey will strengthen your self-awareness and help you fully understand the impact your actions and behaviors have on your success and the success of others!