Me, myself and I...

If someone was to ask you if you are self-aware what would you say?

Well for starters, if it was me, in the true spirit of being the questioning lady I'd challenge the question (!) to be more specific than that because we're complex human beings who change state regularly, so my self awareness fluctuates - I lose it when I get emotional or angry, but I'm more attune to it when I'm feeling reflective or going about my day in a step by step way.

I read a book a little while ago that was all about emotional intelligence, which is something that fascinates and scares me for the same reason - the awesome power it can have over individuals, both for themselves (intrapersonal) and those around them (interpersonal).

So how do we become more self-aware?  Even if we think we are, it's good to check in sometimes.  Here come the questions that will help you on your journey of self discovery...
- what are your goals in life?
- what are your beliefs?
- what do you value the most?
- what drives you to succeed?
- what rules do you live by?

Answer them for yourself and then ask some people around you to answer them for you too.  Do your answers match up? 

Now before you start explaining mis-matched answers away because you think someone doesn't know you...STOP!! You should only ask someone who knows you really well - you're not seeking perception feedback, you're testing your own self awareness. 

Differing answers can really help increase your self awareness.  When my (now) husband and I were building up to our wedding day we had to go to the famed marriage classes.  One of the questions was about your biggest fears in life and you had to talk about them - I'll be honest, I struggled to articulate it until Mr Speak swooped in with what his thought of my biggest fear was...and he was spot on.  He knew the answer because he understands my goals, beliefs and values and I momentarily forgot!  In that moment my self awareness dropped a few points but someone was there to help me - you're not in this alone.

Happy discovering xx