That’s where self-awareness comes in. “Self-awareness is about looking at who you are in a way that acknowledges how you impact others [and] how they impact you,” explains therapist Marcelle J. Craig, LMFT. It also involves understanding your emotions and internal narrative, allowing you to lead a fulfilling life. “It’s the first step to changing and growing,” says Craig. On that note, the practice of self-awareness is just that: a practice. Learning how to be self-aware is a life-long journey, and it’s never too late to start. Here are some therapist-approved strategies for understanding yourself and who you truly are. After all, your comfort zone is a familiar space. It’s the psychological state where you exist on autopilot, complete with predictable thoughts and emotions. This limits your perspective. Fortunately, a new experience doesn’t need to be complex or expensive. It can be as simple as trying a new hobby, chatting with new people, or exploring a neighboring town. Heck, even cooking a new-to-you recipe counts as a new experience. Whatever you choose to do, these experiences will help you gain new outlooks on yourself. From there, you can use this info to explore aspects of yourself that you’d like to change or nurture. Sometimes, an outside perspective is necessary to dispel negative thought patterns or fortify positive ones, says Keischa Pruden, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, therapist and founder of Pruden Counseling Concepts. Admittedly, accepting feedback gracefully isn’t easy. Remind yourself that truly constructive feedback isn’t an attack on who you are as a person. Instead, it’s a valuable tool that provides guidance for potential growth and self-development. While you’re at it, do your best to fully listen without getting defensive. This will make it easier for the other person to provide truly honest feedback. To learn more about your triggers, Pruden recommends examining any situation, person, or thing that prompts a negative emotion. For example, you can ask yourself, “What did the other person say that caused me to feel (insert emotion here)? What was my reaction? Is this something I want to feel regularly?” You can then use your responses to make informed decisions that facilitate a more peaceful life, she says. If you’re unsure where to start, Pruden suggests asking yourself questions like: “What is the origin of this opinion? Is this opinion beneficial to me or the people I love? Is there any truth to my viewpoint?” Asking these questions will allow you to identify and assess your thought patterns. To clarify your core values, “reflect on times in your life when you felt happy, uplifted, and empowered,” says Craig. This can help you recognize what is most meaningful to you, and ultimately, provide guidance for your future self. Remember: There’s no right or wrong way to journal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different journaling methods to cultivate self-awareness. Examples include writing one line a day for a set amount of time, or in a guided journal with built-in prompts.
