7 Steps to Greater Self-Awareness

“When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine yourself.” ~ Confucius Quotes from The Analects of Confucius

Self-Awareness is one of the keys to creating a happy, healthy, and wealthy life. Without us being aware of our own behaviours, perspectives, judgements, values, and even beliefs we might find it difficult to accept the world as it is. We might even find it almost impossible to accept ourselves.

Have you ever been upset about people telling you off? Have you ever been annoyed because your partner or colleague didn’t do what you wanted them to do? Have you ever wondered what happened to your relationship that once was full of excitement? Have you ever wondered why our world is the way it is?

Yes? That is probably the answer most of us would give. But what is, if we are the cause of other people’s behaviour towards us? What is, if a shift in perspective can shift the way we live our lives? What is, if a greater self-awareness could help us to deal better with everyday situation? What is, if we could invite excitement back into our relationship?What is, if you would just follow my seven steps to greater self-awareness:

1. Be true to yourself! This is my favourite and it applies to everything we do. As long as we are true to ourselves we can’t go wrong. For instance if you have to make a decision whether to have a coffee or tea, decide for what feels right to you. There is often peer pressure that makes us decide differently. Here is your chance to make sure you stay true to yourself no matter what other people think.

2. Be honest! To be honest with others is one part of this step. There is no need for little excuses. People are more likely understanding when we give them the true reasons for our decisions. Being honest means also being honest to ourselves. For instance when you are tired, acknowledge that and take a rest. When you are hungry, eat. When you feel uncomfortable, notice it and change it when you can. Only when we are honest to ourselves we are able to gain a greater self-awareness.

3. Observe your thoughts! Our thoughts can be very destructive. Often we think very low of ourselves and others. Because we do, we will see the reflection of our thoughts in our lives. Think about Murphy’s law. Are you always in the slowest lane? Well, maybe it is because you think that way. Once you are aware of your thoughts you can change them into more positive ones as in: This time I get in the quicker lane.

4. Change perspective! This might be easy with a glass that is either half empty or half full. But stepping into a perspective of another person can be quiet challenging, but it too is very rewarding. The change in perspective gives us a whole new picture, feeling, and even perception of a situation, problem, or person. For a greater self-awareness it is very beneficial to see yourself from an outside viewpoint.

5. Reflect! Every situation is unique and we can’t turn the clock back to change what has happened, but we can reflect on past experiences. What did we learn from them? How can we change our behaviour for future situations that are similar? This is an important step towards greater self-awareness as we soon acknowledge our successes in changing perspectives, thoughts and behavioural patterns.

6. Accept what is! While you start accepting what is, you are in control of changing all that you can change. When you accept that your job is not right for you, you are enabled to look for one that suits you much better. When you accept that you are overweight, you are able to make a decision on how you want to lose pounds. Accepting yourself the way you are helps to remain in a state of great self-awareness.

7. Learn from others! Yes, everyone we meet is also a teacher for us. Often though we are blind for the this kind of wisdom. We tend not to listen to other people’s advice. Although once we do look for the higher meaning in our relationships, we will learn very valuable lessons about aspects of our own personality. For instance you are annoyed or even amazed about a behaviour that some people in your life have. How does this behaviour reflect an aspect of your own personality? Be honest! Observe! Change perspective! Reflect! Accept what is! And learn again!

These steps are never-ending as we will always continue to find something new and exciting in our own personalities. Once we embrace all that is within and without we truly are on the direct course to a happy, healthy, and wealthy life.

Greater self-awareness is not only a route to get access to this course, it is too the key to make lasting changes in our lives.

by Sandy Seeber – February, 2012 More articles by Sandy Seeber

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