Self-awareness is knowing how external stimuli affect internal reality. Basic mindfulness involves recognising emotions and their effects. Self-aware people can:
- Identify and label their emotions.
- Know why they feel a certain way.
- Learn how emotions affect their behaviour and that of other people.
People who are self-aware have a strong sense of identity. They know who they are. They understand their goals and interests.
Table of Contents
- Three types of self-awareness
- The importance of self-awareness
- Five tips for improving self-awareness
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Three types of self-awareness
There are three types of self-awareness: emotional self-awareness, accurate self-assessment, and self-confidence.
Emotional self-awareness. Being emotionally aware means being aware of how you feel. For example, are you happy, sad, scared, or something else? Being aware of your feelings means you know how they affect your thoughts. They affect the way you act and how you do your job.
Accurate self-assessment. Self-assessment involves knowing your emotional strengths, weaknesses, and limits. For example, you know you yell when frustrated, angry, or stressed.
Self-confidence. Knowing your emotional tendencies boosts self-confidence. Self-confident people don’t let surprises shake them. They know who they are and can communicate effectively.
The importance of self-awareness
Without self-awareness, we ignore our emotions and become victims. If we don’t acknowledge our emotions, they control our decisions, influence our actions, and hurt our performance.
With self-awareness, we can stop negative behaviours. We can cope with stress and emotions. We also understand our motivations and values. We can empathise with others. It helps strengthen our relationships. Additionally, we become more assertive.
Five tips for improving self-awareness
So, what can you do to become more self-aware? The first step is to listen and ask questions.
Feel and accept your emotions
Emotions give us information, so we shouldn’t try to hide them or hold them in. Instead of trying to fight them, focus on how you feel. Give them names, sit down with them, and let them do what they need to do. Ask yourself, “How do I feel right now?” and “Why did I choose this label?” on a regular basis. When you recognise and accept something, you become aware of it.
Keep a reflective journal
Practise emotional reflection. Keep a journal of your day’s events. What did you do? “Working late today made me angry and bitter.” After getting home, I ignored my family. You’ll notice patterns in a journal. You’ll recognise emotional triggers and responses.
Notice your physical reactions
Our bodies store emotion. Anxiety causes sweaty palms, a fast heartbeat, and tight muscles. By recognising these reactions, you can understand your internal signals before noticing the emotion. Make it a habit to do body scans when you’re relaxed or returning home from a stressful day. Ask yourself, “How are my breathing, heart rate, and muscles? Are they different from normal?”
Reflect with “what” questions
When we reflect on our emotions, we focus on “why” rather than “what.” “Why did I yell at everyone?” we wonder. “Why was I so nervous?” Nevertheless, when asked “why,” we often invent our own answers and place blame. “I have an anger problem,” we say, or “I’m just a nervous person.” Instead, try to figure out what is going on to increase self-awareness. For example, you ask, “What about the experience made me nervous? What did this situation have in common with earlier encounters?”
Seek regular feedback
Sometimes our thoughts and actions clash. Others perceive your assertiveness as bullying. Ask senior leaders, peers, and subordinates for feedback often. By asking for and accepting feedback, you’ll learn how others see you.
FAQs
Q1: What are the three types of self-awareness?
The three types of self-awareness are emotional self-awareness, accurate self-assessment, and self-confidence. Emotional self-awareness means being aware of your feelings. Accurate self-assessment involves knowing your emotional strengths and weaknesses. Self-confidence comes from understanding your emotional tendencies.
Q2: Why is self-awareness important?
Self-awareness is important because it helps you understand how your emotions affect your behaviour and decisions. Without it, emotions can control you negatively. Self-awareness helps you cope with stress, build relationships, and perform better at work.
Q3: What are some tips for improving self-awareness?
Some tips include feeling and accepting your emotions. Keep a reflective journal. Notice your physical reactions. Ask “what” questions instead of “why.” Seek regular feedback from others. These practises help you recognise patterns and understand yourself better.
Q4: How can journaling help increase self-awareness?
Writing in a journal about your day’s events and feelings enhances self-awareness. It helps you recognise emotional triggers and responses over time. Noticing patterns in a journal can give insight into how your emotions impact your behaviours.
Q5: What type of feedback is most helpful for becoming more self-aware?
Seeking feedback from those you interact with regularly, like senior leaders, peers, and direct reports, is most helpful. Accepting how others perceive you gives you an outside perspective. This perspective can reveal blind spots. It shows discrepancies between how you see yourself and how others see you.
Conclusion
Self-awareness is knowing how external stimuli affect internal reality. Being emotionally aware means recognising your emotions. It also involves understanding how your feelings affect your thoughts, actions, and job performance.
There are three types of self-awareness: emotional self-awareness, accurate self-assessment, and self-confidence.
Ask yourself, “How do I feel right now?” and “Why did I choose this label?” on a regular basis.
Make it a habit to do body scans when you’re relaxed or returning home from a stressful day.
Ask senior leaders, peers, and subordinates for feedback often. By asking for and accepting feedback, you’ll learn how others see you.
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