Self-awareness is such a critical skill to have in life. A skill that we don’t get taught with real significance or focus when we are kids or at school. Besides what you learn from your parents, friends, those you look up to, etc., which is largely about what social norms, ethics, morals, the culture you fit in to rather than about how you perceive yourself and your own free thinking. Self-awareness is a skill that is often overlooked and undervalued in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. It is also a skill you should keep working on for the rest of your life. Period.
I am sure that I am not the only one to have ever heard it said, in some form or shape, that understanding who you are, what you want, and what drives you is essential to achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life. Those just feel like some standard corporate words spewed out to achieve your career or success but in reality, it goes so much deeper. It is not just for reaching a goal or other, more so it is that you want to know who you are as a human being and why you react the way you do to situations. You know, the deeper thoughts about your own need to fit in, stand out, be accepted, be admired, want to make a difference, your purpose in life.
It involves understanding who you are as a person, what motivates you, your strengths and weaknesses, your values, and your beliefs. It is the foundation upon which we build our lives and relationships with others. Yet, many people go through life without ever fully embracing the understanding and constant learning of themselves. When we are not self-aware, we may not know why we do certain things or react in certain ways. The lack of self-awareness may therefore lead to self-sabotage, unfulfilling relationships, and missed opportunities. Basically, life is harder if you are not aware of how you respond to the things you experience every day. This is something I wish I had learnt more about much earlier in my life. But then again, back then this was not a topic spoken about much, at least not in the circles I travelled.
To fully embrace the understanding and constant learning of yourself is to embark on a journey of self-discovery. It means taking the time to reflect on your life experiences, your thoughts and feelings, your actions and reactions, and your impact on others. It requires an open mind and a willingness to learn from your mistakes and feedback from others. This process is ongoing, and it takes time and effort, but the benefits are immeasurable.
When we are aware of our emotions and how they impact our behaviour, we can communicate more effectively with others. We are better equipped to understand and empathize with their perspectives, leading to stronger relationships. We can also set healthy boundaries and know when to say no, which is essential for our mental and emotional well-being.
Navigating life’s journey becomes easier when we know who we are and what we want. We can make decisions that align with our values and goals, leading to a more fulfilling life. We are also more adaptable and resilient when faced with challenges because we understand our strengths and limitations.
So, I ask the question then – why would we not want to invest the time and effort in ourselves? We certainly deserve to!
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