Self-awareness is a big part of emotional intelligence.
It’s the ability to identify and understand your own personality, abilities, shortcomings and emotions, as well as the impact that this has on everyone around you. It’s also the appreciation of how others see you, too.
Having a strong sense of self-awareness gives you a realistic understanding of yourself, which can help you identify potential areas of self-improvement, help you adapt to different situations, and be more careful when it comes to how you make decisions.
How to Improve your Self-Awareness
Improving your self-awareness is a really worthwhile endeavour towards better emotional intelligence, which can help you in all aspects of your life.
Here are 5 tips to get a better sense of self-awareness.
(1) Start keeping a diary
Most people (especially business professionals) would immediately think of a personal diary as something childish that only teenagers do- however you’d be surprised how much personal insight it can give you.
At the end of every few days, open a blank page and write down your recent experiences, how you felt and what you did. When you begin to document events like this, it gives your life more of a tangible aspect and time to consider more about yourself.
(2) Ask those around you
It’s not always easy to make objective judgements about yourself, so consider asking those people around you for their feedback. You must be open and not argue or get defensive, because their opinions about your strengths and limitations can help you get a clearer picture.
(3) Consider where your passion lies
Everyone has different levels of motivation when it comes to certain projects, and thinking about where your passion lies can tell you a lot about yourself. This seems obvious, but not many people take the time to think about what they enjoy and what that says about them.
(4) Emotional Control
A self-aware person is able to recognise specific emotions as they experience them and then adapt to the situation at hand. This takes practise and self-control. So next time you feel a heightened emotion such as anger, frustration or anxiety, stop and breathe. Realise what it is and process the why- this will help you improve control.
(5) Predict your response
A great trick you can do alone is to think about a common scenario or an upcoming experience, such as a difficult work situation, and consider what emotional response you will have to this. By doing this ahead of time, you have the opportunity to register your emotional response and put yourself more in control if it was to happen.
These five activities will put you on the path towards better self-awareness and the advantages this offers you. Possessing a strong sense of self-awareness means that you have a better understanding of yourself and can exercise better self-control in all aspects of your life; this is an important skill to have.
How can Lifeology Help You?
Having years of experience assisting people to understand and enhance their Emotional Intelligence, I have helped many people discover their true potential in both their working and personal lives.
Although our Emotional Intelligence becomes more ‘set in’ with age, it is malleable and, along with self-awareness and coaching, can be focused on and enhanced in an effective way, to improve career growth and success.
Feel free to contact me to find out how!
For more information, contact Kerryn at info@lifeology.com.au to unlock your emotional potential today.
