One of the things I enjoy about partnering with professionals is the vulnerability with which we enter into the coaching partnership. As one client recently said, “I need a therapist for my professional life.” She is focused on ways to manage her professional life better so that it doesn’t suck her dry, while designing her whole life so she can live it fully as an executive, mother, wife, etc.
What I admire about “Margaret” is that she appears to be self-aware and genuinely curious about what it takes to live a healthier life. She is eager to do the work. Not everyone is that open.
Self-awareness matters. The other day, I did the Emotional Intelligence Inventory (the EQi 2.0), and my client’s results were telling about how clearly he is not aware of himself.
Worth the share
This article by Tchiki Davis, Ph.D., is a clear roadmap of what self-awareness is and why it matters. Here are the eleven steps that she encourages the reader to practice to elevate their self-awareness.
- Walking, especially in the quiet of nature, can be useful in building self-awareness. Getting outside for just 20 minutes each day, especially in the morning, is key.
- Practicing mindfulness can increase self-awareness. What is your mindfulness practice? When do you disconnect from technology?
- Walking, especially in the quiet of nature, can be useful in building self-awareness. Getting outside for just 20 minutes each day, especially in the morning, is key.
- Practicing mindfulness can increase self-awareness. What is your mindfulness practice? When do you disconnect from technology?
- Becoming a good listener can increase self-awareness. I’ll say it again and again, we can all improve our listening skills.
- Becoming more self-aware can be quite enlightening. Take the time to reflect on your core beliefs and values, and uncover your genuine thoughts and opinions.
- Self-awareness can open your mind to new perspectives. This is critical, especially in today’s climate. Being open and flexible speaks to a growth mindset.
- Self-awareness is connected to self-esteem. Taking the time to examine our inner thoughts, understanding our inner child, and who we are today is essential.
- Self-awareness can help you set intentions. This ties into all of the above but focuses on a key word…intentionality.
To learn more, read What Is Self-Awareness, and How Do You Get It? from Psychology Today.
#wisewords
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
–Aristotle
And Finally...
While I agree with the steps mentioned above, data helps. If you are curious about your level of self-awareness, consider taking an emotional intelligence assessment. Self-awareness is the first of 15 skills measured in the EQi 2.0 and the EQ360, within the Self-Perception Competency.
Back to my client, “Frank”, who has low emotional intelligence. His results showed that he has a high regard for himself, scoring above average in self-awareness and other Self-Perception Competencies. Not surprisingly, he scored very low in the Self-Expression Competencies, specifically in emotional expression and independence. This gap is negatively impacting his ability to advance professionally because these competencies need to be in balance.
Emotional Intelligence is malleable; it can be improved with conscious effort. If you are curious about your level of Emotional Intelligence, reach out.
Have a great week,
Mary Jo