Self Awareness Boss
Self awareness can help us be more productive, proactive, grow…here’s how…
Self awareness theory (Duval & Wicklund, 1972) posits that we are in fact not our thoughts, but the vessel that observes the thoughts. We are the thinkers and produce the thoughts, but we are a separate entity to the thoughts (stick with me)...I like this idea because if they’re separate, it means that there’s potential for some respite from the constant relentless chatter of our minds.
When we can separate from these thoughts, we can then self evaluate the real human putty creating those thoughts and work out what our standards are, how we want to be and operate in the world to override the system, and act in self control, rather than in wild abandon in relation to our thoughts which we THINK are real but mostly mad.
Mind Doughnut
Self awareness can help us be more productive, proactive, grow, see other people, make better decisions and create relationships with our people rather than the ones who aren’t our vibe.
Here are some ways you can cultivate a bit more self awareness -
💜Get quiet 💜
This is a must do on the daily to connect with yourself for a few moments of quiet mind time to separate from your thoughts and tune into the truest version of you. Breathe, observe the thoughts, separate from them even for a second. It’s so freeing.
💜Give your thoughts a Name 💜
What are your driving thoughts, feelings and behaviours? Are these coming from your real human or are they the mind's creation? It might help you to give your thinking mind a name or a character so that when they come to visit you can reflect on whether it’s you or your character making an appearance. Mines is called Mel and she’s a bit of an arsehole.
💜Listen 💜
Practice active listening, one of the hardest things for us mortals to do - we’re too busy thinking of the next thing to do or say, so instead, just pay attention. Notice others body language, the way they’re speaking, and listen without judgement or without adding your own story.
💜Notice 💜
How do people respond to you? Do they talk over you, butt in or do they listen? Do they argue or agree? Do they talk about themselves or close up in response, or ask questions and show interest?
💜Perspective 💜
The hardest of the lot, ask for feedback, argh!! Ask it from someone whose opinion you care about, but that also might not just say the thing you want to hear. Ask it in relation to something specific you said or did (not just a general character assassination), and check if that’s a response to you or your character and ask your character to kindly f*ck off (that’s you Mel).
