Self-awareness: How to Better Understand Yourself and Your Motivations
Self-awareness is a lifelong journey that requires continuous practice, and it's never too late to start. Remember, the school of self-understanding has no graduation!
Dear Insightful Readers,
It's another beautiful week to explore the depths of personal growth and self-discovery! In this issue of The Insightful Weekly Newsletter, brought to you by The Spill Newsletter, we're delving into the art of self-awareness. With insights and guidance from our writer Ire Olubukola, let's embark on a journey to understand ourselves better.
"Have you ever been caught off-guard by the simple question, 'Who are you?' only to realize you're not sure how to answer?" Knowing oneself is a crucial skill, yet it's not uncommon to struggle with this question. This can leave us feeling uneasy, especially when it's not related to our job. We often neglect to take the time to connect with our thoughts and emotions in this fast-paced digital world.
In a situation where you are networking, having a brief and engaging introduction can help make a lasting impression on your desired audience. However, crafting such an introduction can be challenging if you haven't developed self-awareness. One way to succinctly answer the question is by becoming more self-aware.
Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of one's individuality and personality. It's the ability to focus on your thoughts, feelings, and actions and align them with your values. This skill is essential for everyone to become more effective and influential. When you are self-aware, you become more adept at navigating different situations and can monitor your emotions to improve your mental health.
Consistent practice and the right tools can help improve your self-awareness, just like any other skill.
If you want to better understand yourself and your motivations by developing your self-awareness skills and cultivating a conscious lifestyle, this is the perfect Newsletter for you.
Self-awareness has two broad categories; External and Internal self-awareness
It's important to have a clear understanding of yourself and how you interact with others. Internal or private self-awareness refers to your ability to understand your values, passions, aspirations, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as how you respond to different situations. This reflective process helps you gain insight into your thoughts and emotions, as well as how they affect others.
On the other hand, external or public self-awareness involves understanding how others perceive you. This type of self-understanding helps you respond appropriately to others' emotions and physical reactions. This can be broken down into four simpler parts, which are illustrated in the accompanying image.
It is essential to have an understanding of your true self and the reasons behind your goals, emotions, and actions if you wish to achieve them. Self-awareness is a vital prerequisite before setting any personal or professional objectives. It is a lifelong journey that requires continuous practice, and it is never too late to start.
Here are a few tips to enhance your self-awareness:
1. Know Your Personality: Understanding your personality is crucial for self-awareness. It helps you recognize your strengths and weaknesses and understand what motivates you. Try different personality tests, like the '16 Personalities Test', to get a comprehensive view of yourself. "And no, we're not talking about the 'Which type of bread are you?' quiz on social media!"
2. Identify Your Core Values: Core values are the bedrock of your actions and decisions. Understanding them helps you align your life with what truly matters. Reflect on moments when you felt happiest and most empowered to identify these values. "Core values are like your personal compass, guiding you through life's journey."
3. Journaling: Keeping a journal is more than making diary entries; it's about paying attention to your inner thoughts and emotions. "Journaling can be like having a conversation with your future self, helping you understand who you are and who you want to be." Start journaling today and explore different methods until you find what resonates with you.
4. Build Meaningful Relationships: Relationships provide a mirror to our own selves. Through communication and collaboration, we develop self-awareness. Listen more, speak less, and empathize to gain honest feedback about yourself. Let your relationships be a part of that reflection."
5. Create a Stop-Doing List: Sometimes, it's about what you should stop doing rather than what you should start doing. Identify habits or actions that are not serving your growth and consciously work to eliminate them.
6. Ask 'What' Instead of 'Why': While 'Why' can lead to introspection, it's often 'What' questions that provide more objective and actionable insights. "Focus on what you can learn from your experiences to stay future-focused and empowered".
As you embark on this journey of self-awareness, remember, that every step you take is a step towards a more authentic and fulfilling life. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep being you.
Quote - "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." - Carl Jung.
Written and Edited by - The Spill Newsletter Team.