The journey to self-awareness is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in yourself. By uncovering what makes you tick—your emotions, values, strengths, and patterns, you gain the clarity to live more intentionally and authentically, fostering personal growth and enhancing your emotional intelligence through intentional reflection.
THE POWER OF EMOTION | CHAPTER 2 | OVERVIEW
The Art of Knowing Yourself: Uncover What Makes You Tick
Self-awareness doesn’t mean having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions, staying curious, and embracing growth. Have you ever paused to ask yourself what truly drives you? In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, it’s easy to lose sight of what makes us tick. Yet, understanding ourselves—our passions, triggers, and motivations, is the foundation for living a fulfilling and authentic life.
Self-awareness is more than just a buzzword; it’s an art form. It involves peeling back the layers of who we are, uncovering patterns of thought and behaviour, and embracing the unique qualities that define us. When we truly know ourselves, we unlock the power to make choices that align with our values, build stronger relationships, and lead meaningful lives.
In this blog, we’ll explore the steps to mastering self-awareness, why it’s crucial for personal growth, and how uncovering what makes you tick can empower you to navigate life with clarity and purpose. Let’s dive in and begin your journey to self-discovery!
Why Self-Awareness Matters
Self-awareness is the foundation for personal and professional growth. Countless individuals lack self-awareness for various reasons. Some fear what they may learn about themselves, while others don’t commit the time or effort to do the work. Yes, we must work to realize any change in our lives.
When you focus on yourself, paying close attention to your thoughts and emotions as they occur, you learn much about who you are and what it takes to bring out your best. This is what makes you tick! As you increase your self-awareness, you become more intuitive and understand how others see you. While personal transformation requires commitment and time, it is well worth the investment.
How Self-Awareness Impacts Your Career
A lack of self-awareness can negatively affect your career. While writing The Power of Emotion, I interviewed leaders across Canada, and the importance of self-awareness became abundantly clear. Numerous leaders stated that as they became more aware of their strengths and areas for growth, they increased their ability to self-manage. This enabled them to meet the needs of others, develop empathy, and build stronger relationships.
One leader shared how identifying their emotional triggers helped them navigate difficult conversations more effectively. By understanding their reactions and preparing accordingly, they strengthened team trust and collaboration. Self-awareness isn’t just a personal skill; it’s a professional game-changer.
What Are You Projecting to Others?
Not all of us accurately perceive who we are when we look in the mirror. As you present yourself to others, you project your emotions. If you lack self-awareness, this can be problematic. Your body language, such as facial expressions, posture, and demeanour, delivers a strong external message about your emotional state to others.
To be intentional with your message, becoming skillful in what you project to others is vital. For example, a leader who regularly appears calm and composed builds trust within their team. Practicing self-awareness ensures your external presentation aligns with your internal intentions.
Steps to Develop Self-Awareness
Mastering the art of self-awareness is a lifelong journey, but it begins with intentional practices that help you understand yourself more deeply. Here are the key steps:
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Identify Your Emotional Quotient (EQ): Take an emotional intelligence self-assessment to establish a baseline for your personal development. These tools can identify your strengths and areas for growth, providing a clear roadmap for improvement.
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Pay Attention to Your Emotions: Name your feelings as they arise. Are you anxious, excited, or frustrated? Explore what triggers these emotions and how they influence your actions. For instance, recognizing frustration during meetings can help you address underlying issues.
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Reflect on Your Values and Beliefs: Ask yourself: What matters most to me? What principles guide my decisions? Distinguish between values you genuinely hold and those you’ve adopted from others. This reflection builds clarity and alignment with your true self.
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Seek Feedback from Others: Invite trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors to share their perspectives on your strengths and blind spots. Their insights can help you see yourself from a different angle and identify areas for growth.
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Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment without judgment. Use mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to tune into your inner world and observe your thoughts and emotions in real time.
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Examine Your Patterns of Behaviour: Reflect on recurring habits or reactions. What do they reveal about your coping mechanisms or motivations? Identifying patterns allows you to decide which habits to nurture and which to change.
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Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Take stock of what you excel at and where you struggle. Tools like personality assessments, journaling, or professional feedback can deepen your understanding.
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Set Aside Time for Regular Self-Reflection: Dedicate time to think about your experiences, decisions, and interactions. Use questions like, “What went well today? What could I do differently next time?”
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Listen to Your Inner Dialogue: Observe how you talk to yourself. Are your thoughts empowering or critical? Challenge negative self-talk and reframe it into constructive feedback.
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Stay Open to Growth: Accept that self-awareness is not a destination but a continuous process. Be willing to adapt as you learn new things about yourself over time.
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Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use self-assessment tools to monitor how your awareness evolves. Celebrate breakthroughs and revisit areas where you need further growth.
The Power of Knowing Yourself
The journey to self-awareness is one of the most rewarding investments you can make. By uncovering what makes you tick, you gain the clarity to live more intentionally and authentically. Understanding yourself opens the door to deeper connections, better decision-making, and a greater sense of fulfillment.
As you peel back the layers of who you are, remember that self-awareness is a continuous process, not a destination. Each step brings you closer to a life that reflects your true essence. So, take the time to pause, reflect, and explore. The more you understand what drives you, the more empowered you’ll be to navigate life confidently and purposefully. To deepen your journey, explore my book, The Power of Emotion, where I share stories, strategies, and insights to transform your understanding of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Remember, the greatest adventure begins within.
This article was originally published on May 25, 2021, and has been updated (January 2025).
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