Let’s say you want to travel from the East coast to the West. You have your car, but realize that the tires’ pressure is unbalanced, the car is in need of an oil change, very little wiper fluid, and the brakes seem a little strange. Nothing deadly, but you know you can make it across the country — it might take a little longer, and the chances of a breakdown is now tangible.
Or, you can take the time to fix up your car, balance the tires, do the whole runaround, and allow yourself a smoother ride.
The idea of exercising your self-awareness is very much the same: you are the vehicle, and by fine-tuning your flaws (bad habits, procrastination, always angry or jealous) you are simplifying and enhancing yourself to meet your goals in a more straightforward, focused manner.
Why reroute your efforts in a constant state of pandemonium?
What is self-awareness?
Self-awareness is the ability to be constantly aware of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. It’s staying true to yourself and your current situation, while understanding your environment and the people in it. It’s about control — over yourself, your motives, principles, thoughts, etc.
How can you tell if most people lack self-awareness? Go drive on the highway, or check out Twitter or Facebook, and you can easily spot people who are unaware of their actions, thoughts, and emotions; it seems like they have no control over themselves, consistently repeating self-defeating acts, acting upon impulses, and always whining and complaining.
The benefits of exercising your self-awareness
Of course there are benefits; there are life-changing benefits.
If you can agree with me on these statements: that always being frustrated, angry, jealous, and stressed out is just a waste of time; that procrastination is a waste of time; not focusing on what is important in our life, our goals, and the people that matter, is a waste of a time. I can name so much more, but you get the idea.
Self-awareness, from what I have learned so far and put into much practice, can eliminate — or at least reduce — most of these hinderances. Ask yourself: Why should I continue self-defeating acts? Why continue to shoot yourself in the foot?
Exercising your self-awareness can help you: