5 Ways to Become Self-Aware

Before we dive in, you might be wondering "what is self-awareness and why is it important?" Well, Mark Manson says self-awareness is our ability to observe and accurately identify our thoughts, feelings, impulses, and determine whether they are grounded in reality or not.

Why is self-awareness important? Because without it, most of us tend to live on autopilot. We live in a fast paced world, one where we are encouraged to be onto the next and the next while hardly thinking twice about how we actually feel or what we're doing. When on autopilot we don't recognize, let alone question, limiting thought patterns. We don't fully live in the moment or process our emotions, and you can bet we are likely making decisions out of fear instead of our heart. And at one time or another, we've all seen where that can lead us!

Here are 5 Ways to Improve Your Self-Awareness:

1. Keep a Journal

Write down your thoughts, plans, where you feel stuck, where you’re excited, and watch for patterns. Get clear on where you’d like to be and how you want to feel. Then, create a plan that gets you there. Your life is your responsibility.

If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to journaling, check out our guided journals. Our best seller for women is The Making of a Strong Woman.

 

2. Daily Meditation

Meditation gives us time to listen to, acknowledge, and accept the thoughts and emotions we have. We can’t shift anything until we first acknowledge it. You don't need hours a day either, even five minutes of meditation each day can cultivate self-awareness.

3. Gratitude

Keep a daily gratitude list. By doing so, you will get in the practice of acknowledging what’s important to you while deepening your connection to the things and people around you. Practicing gratitude only takes minutes of your day, yet the awareness and benefits that come with the practice lingers for much longer.

 

4. Watch for Reactions

Notice what makes you go from 0 to 10 in an instant, or what makes you feel insecure or judgemental. Was it a car that cut you off? Was it something your spouse said? Those immediate reactions typically hold an invitation to look inward.

5. Set a Reminder

Once or twice a day, have a timed notification prompt you with: Am I aware?

Then, look around and look within. Where are you? What are you doing? How are you feeling emotionally and physically? Are your thoughts positively serving you? 

 

Cultivating self-awareness in your life is essential. It helps you maintain a healthy balance between your thoughts and emotions while using your knowledge of self to create the life you desire. Keep an eye out for patterns and don't be afraid to create a new pattern that supports a life of love, inner peace, and compassion. 

Still curious about self-awareness? Be sure to read 7 Benefits of Becoming Self-Aware