Knowing Yourself Better
“Who am I?”
“How do others view me?”
“Do I really know myself?”
In search of your identity during your growing up years, the above were a few “normal” questions you often asked yourself. Now that you’re a grown-up, do you still find yourself grappling with such questions?
Many, at this stage of their lives, are on the journey of discovery. With that, they are still unaware of their own strengths and weaknesses.
First things first. By knowing ourselves, we are able to maintain a balanced life personally and professionally because we will then know what motivates us, and what does not.
Also, when we recognise our strengths and weaknesses, we tend to make better decisions in our daily choices as we are more focused on what we want to achieve.
So, here are a few simple tips on how you can develop self-awareness by identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
“When you’re different, sometimes you don’t see the millions of people who accept you for what you are. All you notice is the person who doesn’t.” – Jodi Picoult
Take some time to write them down
Set aside at least 10 to 15 minutes to list down all your strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths are your talents or innate abilities. On the other hand, weaknesses are something you need to work on to improve yourself.
It is vital to note them down so that you are aware. By sharing the list with people you trust, they can also help you manage your weaknesses, especially in professional skills that you may be lacking.
Take baby steps to work on weaknesses
After writing them down, ponder and see what steps you can take to improve yourself. Avoid taking unrealistic big leaps to change yourself as you may not stick to them.
Instead, take small steps. For instance, set reminders on deadlines to improve your time management skill. Set daily mini-goals for yourself and you’ll find that you are capable of so much more!
“I think self-awareness is probably the most important thing towards being a champion.” – Billie Jean King
Identify your reactions to situations
Make it a habit to identify and reflect on your response to certain situations that you have experienced in life.
These spontaneous responses will reveal a lot about yourself in normal and intense situations.
“Some artists shrink from self-awareness, fearing that it will destroy their unique gifts and even their desire to create. The truth of the matter is quite opposite.” – James Broughton
Keep a journal
A journal helps you reflect on your life. With a journal, you are able to look back and learn from your mistakes, and take proper steps for a better future.
Constantly reflect and journal the good, the bad and the ugly. In due time, you will realise you are already becoming more self-aware!
“The mind’s first step to self-awareness must be through the body.” – George A. Sheehan
Zara Jayne is a passionate university student who aspires to be a leader who inspires the young people of today. You can drop her an email at editor@leaderonomics.com. For more personal articles, click here!
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This article is published by the editors of Leaderonomics.com with the consent of the guest author.
