Photo by Miquel Parera on Unsplash
Self-awareness is understanding one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is a crucial aspect of personal growth and development, enabling us to identify our strengths and weaknesses and make necessary changes to improve ourselves. However, self-awareness is not always easy, as we may sometimes be in denial of our problems and blind to our faults.
Marshall Goldsmith, a renowned leadership coach, and author, once said, “even though we may be able to deny our problems to ourselves, they may be very obvious to the people observing us.” This quote highlights the importance of feedback and the role that others play in our self-awareness journey.
We often think of feedback as something negative, but it is essential for self-awareness and personal growth. When we receive feedback, it helps us to see ourselves through the eyes of others and gain a different perspective on our actions and behavior. It can be difficult to hear criticism, especially when it comes to areas where we are struggling, but it is essential to remember that feedback is not a reflection of our worth as a person but rather a tool to help us improve.
One way to increase self-awareness is by seeking out feedback from others. And not just from those who will tell you what you want to hear. Seek out your toughest critics. In my head, your real friends are the ones that tell you what you need to hear. It’s also important to remember that feedback is not always easy to hear, so it’s essential to approach it with an open mind and be willing to listen.