Are You Self Aware?

Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth and development. It refers to having a clear understanding of one's own strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and thought patterns. When we are self-aware, we are better equipped to make informed decisions and navigate the world around us.

Sounds important right? It is. Surprisingly, while many people struggle with self-confidence and an appropriate amount of ego, recent research indicates that nearly ninety-five percent of people think they are self-aware. If that percentage were accurate our would would be better and kinder and many of use would be better off. Unfortunately while nearly everyone thinks they are self-aware, research conducted by Tasha Eurich found the actual percentage of people who have truly mastered an accurate and helpful sense of self is lower than fifteen percent.

But what does it mean to be self-aware? Eurich identifies two distinct types of self-awareness; Internal and External self-awareness. In short internal self-awareness refers to how we see ourselves and external self-awareness refers to how we think others see us. The gold standard of self-awareness means having high levels of both internal and external awareness and is described as knowing who you are, what you want to accomplish and seeking out and valuing the opinions of others.

So, are you truly aware? Unless you are part of the fifteen percent above the answer is no. You likely have some amount of both internal and external awareness but true awareness requires effort, intention, trial and error, vulnerability and authentic connection with others. All of that is no easy task but the benefits of self-awareness are clear. Research shows that self-awareness is highly correlated with confidence and creativity and stronger relationships. People who are self aware are less likely to lie, cheat and steal and communicate more effectively.

Seems worth it right? Not only is it worth it but there are also nearly no downsides to true awareness. Intimate relationships, healthy and constructive work environments, friendships, psychotherapy and communication coaching are all avenues that can increase your self-awareness and trust me, it’s worth it.

-John Hughes