self-awarenes

Navigating unique challenges

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Self-awareness begins with self-knowledge, I mean understanding who you are, what you care about, and recognising your beliefs, strengths, limitations, values, emotions, and reactions. It is the ability to understand your emotions and how they shape your perceptions, thoughts, and impulses to act. Emotional self-awareness is particularly important because it helps direct our attention, allowing us to recognise what we are feeling, how intensely we feel it, and where it is guiding our focus. Since attention shapes our reality, being aware of how emotions influence it provides a valuable diagnosis of our current state. Maturity, in this context, involves widening the gap between impulse and action, enabling thoughtful and intentional responses.

The awareness of self

Although self-awareness is the least visible aspect of emotional intelligence (EQ), research indicates that individuals with low self-awareness struggle to develop strengths in other areas of EQ. By contrast, those with high emotional intelligence consistently achieve excellence in leadership, decision-making, and relationships. To cultivate self-awareness in emotional intelligence, it’s essential to focus on four key components.

  1. Recognising emotions and their impact is like having an emotional radar, constantly scanning for shifts in your internal weather. This awareness helps you stay attuned to your feelings and how they influence your actions.

  2. Understanding your personal strengths and limitations allows you to know when to lean into your superpowers - and when it’s time to call for backup.

  3. Identifying your values and motivations serves as an internal compass, guiding you toward what truly matters in life.

  4. Acknowledging biases and blind spots is crucial; while we all have them, the self-aware make a conscious effort to recognise and reduce their influence.

Together, these components form the foundation of emotional intelligence and a deeper connection to yourself and others. How do you cultivate self-awareness in your daily life?

The complex nature of human connection

What does it take for you to feel like you belong?

Belonging is a deeply personal experience, varying from one individual to another. What makes me feel like I belong may not hold the same significance for you. Throughout my life, I've been subjected to judgments based on my appearance, leading me to realise the importance of refraining from such superficial judgments towards others. Nowadays, I make a conscious effort to avoid such biases. I think that achieving a sense of belonging requires active participation and self-reflection, and each of us must articulate what truly makes us feel like we belong, as it's not something that simply happens to us passively.

“If you want people to think in your organisation, and be at their best, simply create the conditions for belonging.”
— Burrellism