Self Awareness

🗣 Self-awareness is the ability to take an honest look at your life without any attachment to it being right or wrong, good or bad.”

• Debbie Ford

In the introduction to this module, we shared the following definition:

Components of Self-Management

Let’s delve deeper into this definition by exploring three components of self-management: self-awareness, time management, and goal setting.

Self-Awareness

To effectively control your thoughts and feelings, you must first recognize them. Thus, self-management starts with understanding your thoughts and feelings. This foundational step is known as self-awareness.

Time Management

To control your behavior, you must regulate how you spend your time. Thus, self-management requires thoughtful time-management. By mastering time management, you can ensure that your actions align with your priorities and goals.

Goal Setting

The ultimate purpose of self-management is to achieve your goals. This means having clear, articulated goals that guide your efforts and focus. Without well-defined goals, it’s difficult to channel your energy productively.

By understanding and applying these three components — self-awareness, time management, and goal setting — you can enhance your ability to manage yourself and achieve your personal and professional objectives. In the lesson on ownerships, you completed a project to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set SMART goals. The lessons in this module will focus on self-awareness and time management, but be sure to review your project if you want a refresher on goal setting.

First, we begin with a detailed look at self-awareness.

Self awareness in Action

Self-awareness is the foundation of self-management. Without it, you won't understand your emotions, inclinations, and preferences. Cultivating self-awareness helps you grasp your motivations and the emotions that affect your performance.

Being self-aware means having a clear picture of your thoughts, feelings, values, and motivations. It’s understanding how these elements influence your behavior and decisions.

📺 Watch this video on what self-awareness is and why it is important (5:24)

Discuss: Benefits of self-awareness at work

❓ The video shares several benefits of self-awareness at work (e.g., fosters empathy). Which of the benefits of self-awareness particulary resonate with your experience, and why? Post your answer in Slack

How to Improve Your Self-Awareness

📺 Watch this video on improving your self-awareness (6:23)

One of the suggestions in the video for improving self-awareness is to use mindfulness meditation. Let's try it out.

📺 Watch this video below for a brief meditation practice

Discuss

❓ What did you think of the meditation practice? Did it change or impact your feelings in the moment (it's ok if the answer is 'no' - be honest!). Post your answer in Slack.