Self-awareness is crucial if you want to change something about yourself but if you’re not aware of what needs to be changed, how can you discover it?
We’ve all had that friend or family member who continuously complains about something that a co-worker or friend does and you think, “You do exactly the same thing”.
You might even wonder how that person can’t perceive it when it seems so glaringly obvious to you!
Case in point.
Client: I had an interesting insight.
Me: What was that?
Client: I was blaming my co-worker for our lateness on a project because of his disorganization. He starts something and then switches to something else; he never finishes one thing before starting another! I ended up yelling at him about his disorganization. He made a smart remark back to me saying, “…and you’re such a great role model!”
Then I realized…I do the same thing!
Maybe that’s why he gets on my nerves so much!
As frustrating as this situation was, it was actually a gift for my client. He gained a huge insight into himself and his own behaviors.
I always say awareness is half the battle, because you cannot change what you are not aware of. The challenge is this…how do you cultivate greater self-awareness when you are unaware?
One way, is to start noticing things that upset you or cause you to blame others. When this occurs, your ego self, the part of you that fears judgment and imperfection, is trying to hide.
From the Ego’s point of view, it has the best of intentions; it’s trying to keep you safe. It knows that if you look at this part of yourself, you might feel shame and/or guilt, therefore it performs a quick redirect or “slight of hand” so you will look outward for what is causing you pain versus inward.
As well-intentioned as the Ego thinks it is being, it actually does not save you from any emotional pain; it ultimately creates more.
The ability to change anything begins with increased self-awareness, and greater awareness arises when there is emotional or physical pain.
Please join me for my webinar, September 13th at 11 AM ET on how to increase self-awareness and support creating powerful changes in your life. Remember these are recorded. If you can’t attend the live session, sign up anyway, and you will receive a recording of the webinar.
Click below to register for the September Webinar: I Desire a Change! How Improving Self-Awareness Increases Goal Attainment.
My Inspiration Cards are a great tool to help you improve self-awareness.
You can check them out here.
