SELF-AWARENESS 101

Self-awareness is our greatest asset because it allows us to see that there are two sides to being a human being: one side being the authentic you, brimming with ambition and creativity, and the other side being the “other self,” a consequence of howling NOs from years ago that has you feeling inadequate and unworthy.

When you’re astutely aware that there are two of you, you can objectively assess and manage that side of you that looks at you in the world from an opposing point of view. Self-awareness is key to accessing your remarkable qualities, such as your naturally ambitious bent and extraordinarily creative capacity.

Self-awareness has become a rarity in today’s hectic world, with social media pushing you to be who they insist you be. And yet it is most critical today, in these testing times, to become more aware of yourself as an individual than ever before. Your relationships are more intimate, and your communication is far more enriching when you can identify and deal with issues from your past—issues that inhibit you from being the spontaneous, joyful person you came into the world to experience.

Following are a few avenues for developing your inherent ability of self-awareness and embracing your authentic nature. When you first experience this experience of emotional authenticity, it can move you to tears.

Therapy Can Work Wonders

For many individuals, therapy can be transformational as an avenue to self-awareness. What’s critical in therapy is to objectively look at one’s case history. That’s when you can see how your past experiences have shaped you as an individual. Imagine putting all of your past concerns, opinions, and feelings in a jar, and then jumping in…and realizing, “Wow! That’s my life.” Done right, that can be very empowering.

Coaching Can Be Remarkably Motivating

Another excellent way to develop the skill of self-awareness is to work with a qualified life coach. A good coach not only encourages you to identify what goals and values are important to you but, more important, helps you to understand that making progress is less about “making progress” than it is about becoming aware of that “other self” that stops you from progressing naturally…and then dealing with it.

Journaling is a Powerful Means of Self-Reflection

Our brains are active organs, always up to something. We are always listening to an internal monologue telling us what to think, say, and do. Unfortunately, if the monologue never changes, we never change…and that’s what it is to live a life of quiet desperation. Journaling is a relaxing method to help discover the inner conversations you are always listening to. Putting those recurring conversations on paper lets you see what’s running your life. Freedom, which we’re all seeking, is the ability to consciously choose an inner monologue that empowers you to realize all that unrealized potential that sits deep inside you.

Learn to Deal with Your Emotions

One of the best ways to become powerfully self-aware is to notice that you have your emotions, which means they don’t get their way with you without your permission. When your feelings have you, they define you; you have no say in the matter. Learning to deal with your feelings objectively puts you in an authoritative position, which is different from feeling like a victim to your feelings. Are you willing to participate in life at that level of responsibility? It’s a remarkable experience.

The Bottom Line

Self-awareness is vital when it comes to uncovering the mystery of what it truly means to be a human being and all the possibilities. If you’re looking for a powerful resource to enrich your life, renowned columnist and life-coach Rob White’s latest book, The Maestro Monologue, could be what you’re looking for. Packed with remarkable insights, incredible tips, and practical exercises, this book guides you to a new way of living that has not been obvious because of your self-limiting points of view.