How to be More Self-Aware

Posted byBrock Stout, PhDPosted inUncategorized
On a clear day, rise and look around you
And you’ll see who you are
On a clear day how it will astound you
That the glow of your being outshines every star
We know this, because Barbara Streisand told us when she sang it in a musical.  Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett sang it also.  And Lou Rawls.

 

But we don’t believe it.  Except on clear days, when we wonder why we don’t always see so clearly.

Few people really understand themselves. As important as it is, most lack the ability to develop the skill.

And it is important. Extremely important. Unless you are self-aware, you will probably never make any improvement.

 

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Here is a secret.  Do a self-assessment on a clear day.  Those days are not common for most people.  They often happen when unexpected, and some last for a short moment, such as while you are driving or in the shower.  But that day or that moment is when you should assess yourself.

  1. When you are in a state of calm and free from distractions, consider yourslf.
  2. Consider things people have said about you, think about your weaknesses and strengths, and think about how others might perceive you.
  3. Look to negative models from your past (“am I like that person?”)   Can you gain an insight into how you can improve?
  4. Don’t try to create a list.  Just focus on one new insight and develop a plan to change.

Other secrets for effective self-assessment exist. But I advise you to try this one. Follow the advice of Streisand, Sinatra, Bennett, Rawls (and also Andy Williams).

 

Published by Brock Stout, PhD

Brock has helped many people to be extremely successful. He has lived in various countries and has enjoyed several careers, but is now a writer and a career coach. He sustained mild lead poisoning as a child, resulting in neurological damage. The result was a life of learning disabilities, always struggling to keep up. But he completed two degrees from competitive universities, then advised Wall Street executives in Asia for 15 years. He later earned a PhD and worked as a university professor for six years. He has started three profitable companies in between. So he particularly wants to help those with special learning challenges. Because so many of us now have these special challenges, they are no longer special. But they are challenges. He wants you to TEACH YOURSELF how to be successful.

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