AUTHENTIC AWARENESS

Knowing yourself helps personal growth

BY Archana Law

Are you genuinely connected to and conscious of your thoughts, emotions and experiences? And are you present in the moment, fully engaged with yourself and the world around you?

Authenticity has become a buzzword. We’re told to bring our full selves to the office, and engage in frank conversations and self-disclosure, to build trust and improve group performance.

Regardless of what we do or the stage we’re at in our careers, our success depends on understanding who we are – and how we come across to our employers, clients, customers, employees and peers.

So how about the coworker who thinks that he or she is a brilliant presenter but puts everyone to sleep during meetings? And how about the boss who brags about being approachable but terrifies his or her team? Or the friend who thinks that he or she is a people person but is usually the most awkward guest at a party?

Are we conscious about the image we project? Or do we let our guard down when we’re under stress because we are tired of trying to live up to impossible ideals?

According to research, while most of us think that we know ourselves pretty well, this confidence is often unfounded. The scariest part is that the least competent people are usually the most confident in their abilities.

In essence, authenticity is about being genuine in all aspects of our lives, personal relationships and professional pursuits. It requires a deep sense of integrity to truthfully acknowledge our blind spots as well as strengths – to others and ourselves.

Neuroscientist V. S. Ramachandran explains: “Humans can reach for the stars, splice genes, split atoms, launch rockets and most remarkably, gaze inward, piecing together the puzzle of our own unique and marvellous brain. This truly is the greatest mystery of all.”

Ramachandran notes that about 150,000 years ago, there was a rather explosive development in the human brain where among other things, we gained the ability to examine our own thoughts, feelings and behaviour… and to see things from another’s perspective.

Flash forward to the 21st century where self-awareness is critical to our survival and success at work, and in relationships and life…

Scientific evidence suggests that people who know themselves and how others see them are happier, make smarter decisions, and enjoy better personal and professional relationships.

Authors such as Daniel Goleman offer valuable insights into and perspectives on the power of authentic self-awareness in various aspects of life including emotional wellbeing, relationships, personal growth and spiritual awakening.

Practising authentic self-awareness is an ongoing journey that involves reflection, introspection and self-discovery. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

MINDFULNESS To cultivate self-awareness, take time each day to sit quietly, focus on your breath, and observe your thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations without judgement. Meditation can help you be more attuned to your inner experiences and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

JOURNALING Set aside time to record your thoughts, feelings and experiences every day. Writing can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and introspection. Explore your values, goals, fears and aspirations, by reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any patterns or recurring themes in your life.

SELF-REFLECTION Deepen your understanding of yourself by questioning your core values, strengths and weaknesses. What brings you joy and fulfilment? And what are your long-term goals and the best approach? Explore these questions honestly and openly.

UNDERSTANDING Be open to feedback from trusted friends, family members and colleagues about your strengths, weaknesses and blind spots. Feedback from others can provide valuable insights into how you’re perceived and help you gain a more accurate understanding of yourself.

SELF-COMPASSION Be kind to yourself, embrace your imperfections, and treat yourself to the same empathy and understanding that you would offer a friend. This will help you navigate the ups and downs of self-discovery.

CONSCIOUSNESS Pay attention to your reactions and responses in different situations. Notice any triggers that elicit strong emotional reactions and explore the underlying reasons for them. Similarly, observe any patterns or habits that may be holding you back or preventing you from living the life you desire.

AUTHENTICITY Take time to identify and reflect on what truly matters to you and what you stand for. Strive to align your actions and decisions in accordance with your values. Remember that practising authentic self-awareness is a gradual process, and it takes time and patience. Be gentle, and allow yourself to embrace the journey of self-discovery with curiosity and openness.