Self-awareness is your ability to recognize and understand the pattern of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how they affect your life.
Our society constantly changes. In the blink of an eye, new technology and new development happens. More often, it takes work to keep up with the fast-paced world. There are more demands, expectations, and responsibilities, and finding a balance is challenging. Stress and anxiety seem to be our constant companions. Thus, achieving happiness and tranquility can feel like a distant dream for many people.
However, the good news is that the key to leading a happier, less stressed life may be closer than you think. It begins with self-awareness, the practice of understanding yourself deeper.
Self-awareness is the beginning of self-transformation.
In this blog, we will explore self-awareness' profound role in helping you lead a more fulfilled and less stressed life and how to expand your self-awareness.
What is Self-Awareness?
Self-awareness is your ability to recognize and understand the pattern of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how they affect your life. It involves introspection and a keen sense of one's strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. This awareness can be internal (knowing your inner thoughts, feelings, and emotions) and external (how others perceive you).
Why is Self-Awareness Important?
More than 20 decades ago, I experienced a deep sense of emptiness and sadness. I did understand why and where they were coming from. Then, one day, I heard these words from my Philosophy teacher, a quote from Socrates. This ancient philosopher said, "The unexamined self is not worth living." My quest for the meaning of these words led me to the concept of self-awareness. From then on, I was on a journey of finding ways to increase my self-awareness. My self-awareness deepened my self-knowledge and unlocked why I felt empty and despondent. You can read more of my story and the ways to increase self-awareness in my book, Finding Your Lost Self. Please click the link to get your copy.
Self-awareness is vital if you want to achieve the life that you desire.
Here are some benefits of increasing self-awareness.
Self-control. When you are self-aware, you can catch your emotional response to different stress triggers. You can identify and acknowledge your emotions as they arise. This recognition will allow you to effectively manage your emotions and prevent them from escalating into stress or anxiety. Hence, you can choose healthier coping mechanisms and responses, leading to a more stable emotional state.
Better Relationships. When you have a better understanding of your stress triggers, your way of communicating what you think and feel, and better control of your emotional response, especially during stressful situations in a relationship, it will improve your relationships as it enables you to listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and objectively resolve conflicts.
Stress Reduction. Stress is perception and a decision. Many people experience much stress if they perceive a stimulus to be a threat. In a busy, fast-growing society where we have to interact with people and are exposed to different stress triggers, our inability to manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions can cause so much anxiety and stress. Self-awareness helps you recognize the early signs of stress, allowing you to take proactive steps to mitigate it. By identifying the root causes of your stress, you can make necessary changes in your habits and your life or seek support when needed.
Personal Transformation. You can't change what you don't know. When you want to grow and develop in every aspect of your life, you must understand what hinders you from growing and improving. You must know your available resources inwardly (your strengths, gifts) and outside resources that will take you to the next level. Self-awareness will enable you to set realistic goals that align with your values and aspirations. By understanding your strengths and weaknesses, you can make informed decisions about your career, relationships, and life choices, leading to a more fulfilling life.
How will you cultivate Self-Awareness?
Many tools will help you increase your self-awareness. In my book, Finding Your Lost Self, I shared the different means for developing and enhancing self-awareness.
However, I want to share some powerful tips to increase self-awareness.
Meditation: Regular meditation can help you become more attuned to your thoughts and emotions. I uncovered the primary reason I felt a deep void within through one of my meditation sessions. Meditation will help you access your unconscious mind. Access your FREE SELF-LOVE MEDITATION here.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide valuable insights into your inner world. There are so many things that you can uncover about yourself when you spend time journaling. I called journaling a gateway to my unknown world. You will be amazed at what you discover about yourself while journaling.
Try different journaling prompts. I will soon launch the "Finding Your Lost Self Companion Journal." Please leave a comment on this blog with your name and email address if you want to be the first to get notified of its release, or email me at dollyoksman@lovehealbelieve.com.
Seek Feedback: I know that asking for and receiving feedback can be scary for so many people because we are afraid to hear what we don't want to hear. However, inviting trusted friends or mentors for honest feedback about your behavior, communication, and work is an excellent way to increase your awareness so you can change or improve what is not working and continue what is working. The other way you can get feedback about yourself is to take self-inventory quizzes.
There are several resources online that you can find. Here is one of the resources that you can use if you want to know how well you are loving yourself. Take our Free Self-Love Inventory here.
Hire a Coach, Therapist, or Counselor: I'm blessed to have several spiritual directors, coaches, and mentors who guide me and can reflect on my behavior. Professional guidance can be immensely beneficial in developing self-awareness and addressing underlying issues. If you need someone to show you increase your self-awareness, you can hire me as your coach. Being an expert in self-coaching and my experience in this topic, I can guide you. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me here.
Spend time to Reflect. Take the time to ask yourself questions and reflect on your behavior, decisions, and reactions. Ask yourself good questions that will lead you to uncover who you are and understand your behavior and thinking pattern.
Conclusion and Your Next Step
Self-awareness is not a destination but a lifelong journey. It's a skill that requires practice and dedication. However, the rewards are well worth the effort. By becoming more self-aware, you can take control of your emotions, improve your relationships, reduce stress, and chart a course toward a happier and more fulfilling life. So, take the first step today in getting to know yourself better, and watch as your path to a less stressed and more joyful life unfolds.
I invite you to join our Finding Your Lost Self-30-Day Journey to Self-Love to increase your self-awareness. Please click the link to learn more.
About Dolly
Dolly Tampos Oksman, MA, MAED-SPED, is a Transformational Speaker, Author, Certified Wellness Coach, Special Education Teacher, and Behavior Analyst. She is the Founder and Owner of Love. Heal. Believe. LLC.
Dolly experienced chronic stress that affected her mental and emotional health. However, when she entered the convent to be a missionary nun, she learned the secrets of how to live a fulfilled life with inner peace and joy. Today, she is sharing those secrets with you.
Dolly is on a mission to help you develop a deeper love for yourself and find long-term solutions to stress. Her new book, Finding Your Lost Self, which is also available on AMAZON and her programs & Services will take you on a step-by-step journey to a happier, healthier, and calmer life with less stress. Please contact Dolly HERE.
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