Know Thyself

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

How well do you know you? This isn’t about those things we are aware of. This is about those things everyone else knows, but don’t tell us. Occasionally, we get glimpses in a random compliment from a co-worker, during the rare meaningful conversation, or when someone is frustrated enough to be really honest with us.

Why does this matter? Improvement requires awareness. You can’t change something if you don’t know it exists. Conversely, you may be missing an opportunity to expand something you already do well.

I would challenge you to get to know yourself this week. Where do you start?

Data creates awareness. One of the most effective diets is the Flash Diet. It simply involves taking a picture of everything you eat or drink. It works because it increases awareness. Track how your spend your time, how much time you spend on the phone, how many times you use profanity. Anything you track will increase your self-awareness. There are lots of apps to help you track anything and they include reminders.

If you can spot it, you got it. Things other people do that really irrate us are often a reflection on things we don’t like about ourselves. Let that sink in. Many of the things I don’t like I actually do. Pick a pet peeve or two and track that.

Listen to yourself. What do you say to others? What do you say to yourself? How often are your comments negative? How often are the helpful?

Have an desire to improve yourself. Take an honest look at yourself. It can be hard and painful, but it can also be relieving.

Let someone else know what they do well or what you appreciate about them. There’s a good chance they are not aware. It’s an easy way to make someone’s day.

Remember self-awareness isn’t the same thing as self-approval. You will find things you don’t like about yourself and that’s OK. Some things we will want to do more of, some things less. The goal is just to be more conscious of things you do. Only then can you make informed decisions about what is working and what isn’t.