Self-awareness is often defined as conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives and desires. It’s key to self-control, decision making, creativity, learning, growth and self-fulfillment. It creates value and helps you to influence others. It is a tool to proactively manage your beliefs, thoughts, emotions, decisions and behaviors. Great leaders are self-aware and practice self-awareness activities daily. Who doesn’t want more clarity, empowerment, motivation and positive energy flowing through their daily life?
Cultivating self-awareness requires an introspective approach, a system and a process to actively and consciously engage in the recognition of ourselves as an individual. This means focusing on all of our being — our beliefs (open or limiting), our physical state of health, our mental state of health, our spiritual state of health and more. It is an acceptance of all the good parts of ourselves and the areas that need improvement. It’s about who we are and what we do daily in each moment.
It takes courage to look at yourself deeply and honestly assess your being. I suggest you start by asking yourself a series of self-awareness questions.
Lori Harris is a member of the Forbes Coaching Council, and Managing Partner of Harris Whitesell Consulting.
