2 of 6: The Heart of Growth: Awareness - Recognizing the Need for Growth

Previously, I shared how growth requires stepping out of comfort zones, confronting limitations, and embracing humility. If you missed it, please take a moment to read it. Transformation starts with awareness —recognizing where we are stuck—then moving through humility, breaking old patterns, and ultimately influencing others as a multiplier.

Understanding How to Become Self-Aware

I believe storytelling is one of the most fundamental yet often overlooked tools for connecting, understanding, and teaching. It offers a fun—and undeniably entertaining—way to capture the essence of what we are trying to convey or learn. More importantly, it plays a vital role in fostering self-awareness—enabling reflection, emotional processing, and gaining perspective.

I came across an older but true story that was written in 2014, of a man in the Army that spoke about be "aware". His story spoke about tough situations and being able to handle them to survive but there was a deeper meaning to his story.

In challenging situations, awareness can be the difference between success and failure. As I continued to do research, I came across a common mindset that military soldiers are trained, which is to expand their focus beyond what is immediately in front of them — to anticipate hidden dangers. Soldiers might remind each other of their inner voice: "I am always on" or "Stay alert!" Stay Alive!".

Similarly, self-awareness requires us to step back and examine our own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, identifying blind spots or habits that may hold us back. Just as situational awareness helps navigate external threats, self-awareness allows us to address internal obstacles, paving the way for growth and transformation.

World-renowned psychologist, author and science journalist, Daniel Goleman, once said that self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. By recognizing your emotions and their impact, you develop a mindset where personal safety and security become your responsibility, rather than relying on external factors. So, while our military heroes' catchphrases hold truth, we can embrace one of our own: Awareness is your superpower—stay present, stay sharp, stay in control!

How to Stay Self-Aware

1. Recognize and Label Your Emotions: Pay attention to your emotional responses in different situations. Instead of labeling feelings vaguely, such as saying, "I am stressed," strive for specificity—"I feel overwhelmed because I have too many deadlines." Self-awareness begins with clarity, and naming your emotions allows you to manage them more effectively.

2. Seek Perspective Through Reflection and Feedback: Regularly pause and reflect by asking yourself, "Why did I react this way?" or "Does my response align with my values?" Inviting honest feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors can help identify blind spots that may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, journaling or practicing mindful self-checks allows you to recognize patterns in your thoughts and behaviors, deepening your self-awareness and promoting personal growth.

3. Align Reactions with Intentional Actions: Before responding emotionally, pause and ask yourself, "What outcome do I want from this situation?" Training yourself to respond rather than react allows for greater emotional control, and practicing mindfulness or deep breathing can help create that space between emotion and action. Ensure that your actions align with your core values, allowing you to manage emotions effectively without suppressing them, leading to more intentional and thoughtful decisions.

Rather than letting external factors shape your internal voice, cultivating self-awareness enables you to navigate your environment more effectively, build stronger relationships, and achieve greater success in both personal and professional life. Steven Bartlett, author of The Diary of a CEO, emphasizes the power of self-reflection and mindfulness in this process, encouraging individuals to actively engage in these practices to enhance their emotional intelligence.

Once we develop self-awareness, we can begin to deepen our growth, shift our heart’s posture, let go of pride, and approach our journey with humility.