You’ve just finished your day job, which was likely physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausting. Maybe your exhaustion comes from spending a large portion of your day doing a job you don’t like. Or perhaps you’re spending significant time around colleagues or bosses who don’t embody self-awareness examples that can inspire your personal development. It can suck the joy out of life and drain your positive energy.
All you want to do is get home, shower, slip into something comfortable—perhaps those uber cozy pajamas—and indulge in some comfort eating while tucking into some world-class escapism.
But all escapism eventually comes to an end. The book doesn’t last forever, you must inevitably close the friends and family hotline, or the binge-worthy series on Netflix ends, leaving you contemplating the meaning of life. Then, a little voice from within whispers, “There’s got to be more to life than this!”
It’s you versus your comfort zone at this point, and you get to decide who wins.
Do you allow yourself to fall into a comfort zone comatose? Or will you Jedi mind trick your patterns into choosing a different path, a different future, a different you? Someone who refuses to be hoodwinked by your present-day self?
The life you want to live is on the other side of your comfort zone, and the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be is self-awareness.
The Power of Self-Awareness
Many of us sabotage our dreams due to a lack of self-awareness. Imagine there are two selves: one that wants you to push through self-imposed mediocrity and step into your power, and another that is terrified of change. This concept is beautifully illustrated by an old Cherokee story, The Tale of Two Wolves:
An old Cherokee teaches his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he says to the boy. “It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”
He continues, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson asks his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replies, “The one you feed.”
Self-Awareness Examples
Self-awareness involves recognizing your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and understanding how they influence your actions. Here are some self-awareness examples to illustrate how this powerful tool can transform your life:
- Recognizing Emotional Triggers:
- Example: You notice that you become irritable when hungry. By recognizing this trigger, you can take steps to ensure you eat regular meals, preventing unnecessary conflicts.
- Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Example: You acknowledge that public speaking is a weakness but recognize your strength in written communication. This self-awareness helps you improve your public speaking skills while leveraging your writing skills in professional settings.
- Observing Your Reactions:
- Example: You realize that you shut down during heated arguments. By observing this pattern, you can develop healthier ways to communicate, such as taking a break and revisiting the discussion when calm.
- Setting Realistic Goals:
- Example: You understand that you work best in the morning. Therefore, you set your most important tasks for the early hours, maximizing productivity and achieving your goals more efficiently.
- Embracing Feedback:
- Example: You receive constructive criticism from a colleague. Instead of getting defensive, you reflect on the feedback and use it as an opportunity for growth.
Overcoming the Fear of Change
When your whole identity is based on a personality influenced by limiting self-beliefs, it can invoke feelings similar to the fear of death because there is a death that happens—the death of the former self. Fear may join you at the threshold between you and your future self… a more empowered version of you.
Sometimes it’s the fear of succeeding that stops us dead in our tracks. The fear of success involves being afraid of achievement, often to the point that people will sabotage themselves. This lack of self-awareness can derail your progress and keep you trapped in a cycle of self-sabotage.
Embracing the New You
We can be derailed by a lack of self-confidence and begin to ask questions like, “Who will I be without my struggle, my excuses, and my limiting beliefs?”
Much of the time, the difference between success and failure comes down to which wolf you feed. Whether you feed your wolf fear or faith is up to you.
By confronting your lack of self-awareness and choosing to nurture self-awareness and confidence, you can break free from the shackles of your comfort zone. Embrace the journey towards self-discovery and personal growth, and you’ll find a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
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