Do you feel like the people you relate with are better than you; To know people is wisdom but to know yourself is enlightenment. How well do you know yourself? If I gave you a piece of paper and asked you to answer the question, who are you? What would be your answer? Most people will write their name and profession. However, your name and profession do not define you. To establish lasting connections with people you require more than a name and career. You need to know what makes you tick and what tears you down. Knowing yourself defines your values, boundaries and expectations.
“I am in touch with myself in a way that a lot of people are not. I know me, I dated me…..,Most people are so busy dating other people that they never dated themselves. “Bishop T.D Jakes
Self-awareness is the foundation for both social intelligence and self-leadership. All the other characteristics of social intelligence hinge on self-awareness. It is the ability to recognize and understand your moods, emotions, drives, and how they all affect others.
With self-awareness, you can observe when a situation, thought, or person triggers you. You can provide a realistic self-assessment of your current emotional state and the drivers behind your behavior.
If someone sends you an E mail that irritates you, tags you in a conversation that tarnishes your name or does something you consider stupid. Self-awareness helps you demonstrate below emotional skills;
- Emotional awareness – This means that you recognize how your emotions can affect the quality of your relationships. Consider below;
- Which emotions are you feeling and why?
- How would your feelings affect your relationships?
There is a link between your feelings, what you are thinking, what you want to do and what you want to say.
When you are aware of your emotions you use your values and goals as a guide to avoid acting based on emotions but based on your values.
- Accurate self – assessment – You need to have a candid sense of your strengths & weaknesses. This means that you know where you need to improve but also embrace what you are good at.
Learn how to;
- Reflect and learn from experience.
- Be open to candid feedback, new perspectives, continuous learning and self-development.
- Show a sense of humor and perspective about yourself instead of getting offended
- Self-confidence – This is the courage that comes from knowing your abilities, values and goals.
Self-confidence helps you to;
- Present yourself with self-assurance, have presence without being arrogant.
- Voice your views and go out of your way for what is right
- Make sound decisions despite the pressure and uncertainties that surround the situation.