Self awareness is described as the conscious knowledge of our character, desires, emotions, and motives. When we are self aware, we are able to improve our relationships across the span of our lives, improve the ability to achieve our dreams, and have an overall happier life.
Like most people, it took me quite a while to really come to my own self awareness. Through out my teens and twenties, I was existing as I thought I was supposed to. I avoided really knowing myself and loving who I was as I was. I couldn’t explain how I felt most of the time and often felt “stuck” with my life as it was happening. By the time I hit my 30’s, I could feel a real need for change. By my later 30’s I took the bull by it’s horns and started making big changes in my life and seeking out therapy to help me achieve my own self awareness. By my 40’s I began living my life completely aware of me, what I wanted, how I felt, and what motivated me. It doesn’t mean that my existence is 100% perfect and always happy. But my overall attitude about life has changed drastically. I have better friendships, romantic and familial relationships, and I am working the job of my dreams.
Ever since I learned how to be more self aware, I have begun sharing that journey with others. I would love to see everyone mastering their life on their terms and feeling fulfilled. Self awareness is the first step to take to mastering your life. When you are aware of yourself and who you are, you are able to understand where your thoughts and emotions are taking you. This is an important step towards changing your attitude, changing how you are working relationships and achieving your dreams, and the perception of happiness.
To help you understand yourself a bit better, answer these questions to see where you are with self-awareness. Answer them as honestly as possible to get the most out of it! Now grab yourself a piece of paper and let’s see where you are.
I can recognize my emotions as I feel them.
I use active listening skills when someone speaks to me.
People have told me that I am a good listener.
I find it difficult to read others’ emotions.
I know how to calm myself down when I feel upset or anxious.
I set long term goals and assess them on a regular basis.
I ask people for feedback on what I do well and how I can improve.
I find it hard to focus on things on a long term basis.
I don’t enjoy my work.
I find it difficult to move on when I am frustrated or upset.
I avoid conflict and negotiations.
Tally up your scores from each question. Be mindful that the scoring changes for some of the questions! Read below in your category to see where you are with self-awareness.
15-34 Points – You need to work on your self-awareness. You may find yourself overwhelmed by your emotions, especially in difficult or stressful situations. This could cause you to avoid all conflict, struggle to calm down when upset, and see yourself struggling with relationships.
35-55 Points – Your self-awareness is okay. You may still be overwhelmed by your emotions and at times avoid conflict. But you don’t avoid all conflict! You have a few close good relationships but others are harder for you to work at.
56-75 Points – You have an excellent sense of self-awareness! You have wonderful relationships and may find people seeking you out for your advice to help them with problems. You also find yourself being able to work towards goals and feel fulfilled when you are able to reach them.
If you are low on the points, there is no need to worry! You can always improve your self-awareness by seeking out a therapist to work on coping skills and the ability to observe your emotions and what is taking place in that moment. Even if you are high on self-awareness, it doesn’t hurt to check in with yourself on occasion to make sure you aren’t getting lost in the mix.
I hope that you were able to think about your own self-awareness and make some healthy goals to improve your situation so that you can live the life you have always wanted!