Quite simply, it means that you must understand who you are – your strengths and your weaknesses – as well as the effects you create. Only once you know these things can you hope to change or improve them.
Self-awareness starts with understanding the definition of the 'self'. The self refers to the entirety of your experience as an individual. It includes your thoughts, feelings, memories, and sensations. It also includes your beliefs, values, and assumptions. It is important to be aware of all of these aspects of yourself if you want to fully understand how you are impacting others, how they are impacting you and what your personal strengths and weaknesses are.
Introspection is a key aspect of self-awareness. It involves looking inward and examining your thoughts, feelings, and motives. Introspection can help you understand why you react to situations a certain way or why you feel drawn to certain people or activities. It can also help you identify any biases or assumptions you may hold about yourself or others.
While introspection is certainly one way to develop self-awareness, it is not the only way. You can also learn about yourself by paying attention to your emotions. If you frequently find yourself feeling angry or frustrated, it might be an indication that there is something about your work or your interactions with others that is causing these reactions. Strong emotions can cloud judgment and lead to choices we may not otherwise make. It is important to be aware of your emotions and how they affect your thinking and behavior. You should also be aware of the emotions of those around you. Emotions can provide valuable insights into people’s motivations and intentions.It is important to appreciate yourself and others.
Appreciation allows us to see the good in ourselves and others while also acknowledging our imperfections. When we appreciate ourselves, we are more likely to take risks and stretch beyond our comfort zone. When we appreciate others, we are more likely to cooperate and collaborate with them. Additionally, by recognizing the different strengths that people bring to the table, you can create a more effective team environment. Both forms of appreciation can lead to increased effectiveness and growth in both our professional and personal lives.
In conclusion, self-awareness is essential for improving your effectiveness as a professional employee in the VUCA world of 2022 and beyond. By knowing your limitations, you can put processes in place that will help you succeed in spite of them. Similarly, by knowing your areas of strength, you can play to them and make the most out of them.
In short, self-awareness enables you to work towards your full potential both professionally and personally. By taking the time to learn more about who you are and how you interact with the world around you, you can make positive changes in your life that will lead to greater success and happiness.
