When the contractor working on our floors said “I’m gonna have to make some noise, sorry.” and I immediately responded with “I don’t care.”, I became curious. I instinctively asked myself why I responded like that and started formulating a blog post.
My instinctive response to ask myself “Why” and think of blog ideas led to thoughts of self-awareness – is it possible for people to become more self-aware and curious about their own perspectives? If so, how can they do so?
After now having written over 100 blogs on my own perspectives and responses to the actions of others, I’ve formed the habit of seeing the world through the lens of “How can this event turn into a blog?” So when someone is rude, I do something stupid, or I’m faced with an obstacle, I write about it.
To me, self-awareness comes from talking with yourself. Becoming aware of the thoughts and perspectives you hold comes with asking yourself questions and exploring the answers in depth.
Start talking to yourself and getting to know yourself like you would with any of your friends. Have a conversation in your head, talk out loud, write stuff down – whatever works best for you.
When you’re faced with a challenge do you shut down or rise to the occasion? Why do you respond that way?
When was the last time someone was rude to you? How did you respond? Why did you do that?
Why do you enjoy the hobbies you have as much as you do? What’s the deeper meaning behind your choice to spend time on those activities?
Get to know yourself on a deeper level by having these conversations. Take the time to be alone and reflect on your choices and perspectives. Make it a habit to ask yourself why you did this or that and if that’s how you want to act in the future.
Having conversations with yourself is the first step to becoming more self-aware. First you learn what you do, then you discover why, finally you make a choice to change or continue doing what you’re doing.
April 20, 2022
