The Importance of Self-Awareness – 5 Tips to Know
Breaking Down the Importance of Self-Awareness in the Workplace.
Are you self-aware? While 95% of people think they are, only 15% are actually self-aware, according to organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich. Self-awareness is a conscious knowledge of your own self-being. It’s acknowledging your feelings, desires, abilities, motives, experiences, and thoughts. Being self-aware means that you understand your choices, why you’ve made them, how to act upon them, and the effect they will have on the world, no matter how small. Understanding the importance of self-awareness is valuable on both a personal and business level. Whether you’re a CEO or in an entry-level position, following our tips on becoming more self-aware can make a positive difference in your life.
Benefits of Self-Awareness
Becoming self-aware isn’t about stroking your ego or following a modern trend. The benefits that come along with having a better understanding of your place in and impact on the world are substantial. They include:
- Finding inner peace
- More effective communication
- Improved decision making
- Clear purpose and direction
- Stronger relationships
- Optimistic attitude
- Less regret and guilt
- Greater empathy
While it’s simple to see how these benefits can positively impact life on a personal level, the benefits in the workplace are equally impressive. Research has shown that self-aware employees are more satisfied, self-aware leaders are more successful, and companies who understand the importance of self-awareness are more profitable.
5 Tips for Building Self Awareness
If you’re ready to become more self-aware and enjoy the associated benefits, start with these top five tips.
- Write down your goals
Without goals, it can be difficult to remain motivated, make appropriate decisions, or be optimistic.
Take some time today to write down your goals. You are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. Putting pen to paper is powerful and can make you reconsider your current path.
- Ask for an honest critique
While hearing criticism is difficult, knowing your quirks from an outsider’s perspective can help you appropriately adjust.
You don’t have to open yourself up to a roasting session though. Instead, ask a few close friends, family members, or coworkers if you’ve ever made them uncomfortable or hurt them somehow. Ask if you have a habit that you would be better without. Knowing how you can improve is the first step to actually doing so.
- Daily self-reflection and meditation
Self-reflection allows you to look at yourself from an honest perspective, something our busy schedules don’t often allow.
You can try a few mindfulness exercises, but the most common way to practice self-reflection is to meditate. While formal meditation is popular, just finding some quiet time throughout the day to focus on your breathing and allow your mind to relax is all you need. Mundane tasks such as watering the garden, vacuuming, or driving home without the radio on are great opportunities.
- Experience life
So far, our tips haven’t asked much. However, thinking and talking aren’t enough to become more self-aware. It’s time to get a bit more adventurous.
Step outside your comfort zone. Try something new. Finding yourself in unfamiliar situations is a great way to learn about yourself on a deeper level. Push yourself to run that marathon. Travel alone. Volunteer. When you push yourself, you’ll learn limits only exist in your mind.
- Practice self-discipline
It’s easy to do anything once. But making self-awareness a lifestyle instead of an activity takes self-discipline.
As the famous Jerry West quote says, “You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.” Kick procrastination to the curb, eliminate distractions, break your bad habits, and find a mentor to guide you as you grow.
Self-discipline and self-awareness go hand in hand. When you focus on both, you’ll be on the fast track to becoming the best version of yourself.
How Your EAP Can Help
Need help becoming more self-aware? Reach out to your EAP. They can help you manage financial goals, solve communication issues, or find a great location for an upcoming vacation, all of which can help you take control and become more self-aware.
A self-aware individual will always benefit. But a self-aware team is a force of positive energy that can change the world for the better. By taking the time to learn the importance of self-awareness, you’re a step closer to making the world, and the workplace, a better place.
