In this dog-eat-dog world, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle and forget about taking the time to focus on yourself. When you’re so busy chasing your tail, so to speak, that you don’t even realize when you need to stop and take a breather. Whether it’s at work, at home, or in your personal life, you can benefit from a bit of self-awareness.
Self-awareness is when you can accurately recognize your thoughts and emotions, as well as the feelings and opinions of others. It’s about being able to understand how you’re currently feeling and why and be able to take a step back and analyze your behavior.
This is an essential skill for success because it allows you to understand yourself better and makes it easier to manage your emotions, set goals, and achieve success. Here’s a look at why self-awareness is so critical and how you can improve in this area.
Self-Awareness in Business Leadership
For business leaders, self-awareness is the ability to recognize their feelings and thoughts as well as those of others to better comprehend themselves and their impact on those around them. A lack of self-awareness can have disastrous consequences in the business world.
Take how Neo Kian Hong of Singapore’s SMRT Corporation began his term as CEO in 2018. He still had a lot to learn about running one of the world’s most punctual and efficient metro systems. So, he spent his first few weeks observing and talking to employees on the job. He also rode the trains during peak hours to feel the passenger experience.
This deep dive into the company’s operations helped the CEO quickly identify some key areas that needed improvement. For example, he noticed a disconnect between the company’s front-line workers and management. He also noticed that the company’s workforce was not as engaged as it could be.
Self-awareness is key to improvement because it allows you to better understand yourself and your company. Without self-awareness, it would be difficult to identify areas that need improvement.
Why is Self-Awareness an Important Skill for Success?
Self-awareness is essential for success. You need to understand yourself and what you’re feeling. This way, you can better manage your emotions and stay on track. Many things can get in the way of success.
For example, you might have a goal that you’re working towards. But if you’re not aware of your own emotions and thoughts, it can be easy to get sidetracked. Maybe you start to feel overwhelmed and give up. Or, you might become so focused on the goal that you forget to enjoy the journey.
Self-awareness can help you stay on track by keeping your emotions in check. When you’re aware of your feelings, it’s easier to manage your emotions and remain focused on your goal. It can also help you set better goals because it can be difficult to set realistic goals if you’re not aware of your feelings and thoughts.
How to Improve Your Self-Awareness
Understandably, becoming more self-aware is easier said than done. But if you genuinely want to improve your self-awareness, there are a few things you can do, such as:
#1 Pay Attention to Your Emotions and Thoughts
The first step is to pay attention to your emotions and thoughts. This can be difficult, but it’s important to know your feelings and why. Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice as well.
If you’re not used to paying attention to your emotions and thoughts, it might help to keep a journal. Write down how you’re feeling and why. This will help you better understand your feelings and thoughts.
#2 Take a Step Back
The second step is to take a step back and analyze your behavior. This can be difficult, but it’s essential to be aware of your behavior and how it affects others. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and words you use.
If you’re not used to taking a step back and analyzing your behavior, it might help to talk to someone you trust. They can give you an honest opinion of how you’re coming across, which will help you better understand your behavior.
#3 Seek Feedback
The third step is to seek feedback from others. Asking for feedback can be difficult, but getting an outside perspective is necessary. Talk to people you trust and ask for their honest opinions to help you better understand yourself.
If you’re not used to seeking feedback, it might help to start with small steps. For example, you can ask a friend for their opinion on a decision you’re struggling with. Or, you can ask a co-worker for feedback on a presentation you’re giving.
Making an effort to improve your self-awareness is worth it. When you’re more self-aware, you’re better able to manage your emotions, set goals, and achieve success. So, if you’re looking to improve your life, start with improving your self-awareness.
