The best way to become self-aware and begin to tune into what we are “broadcasting” to ourselves and others is to consider a number of questions. Answers to these questions may not appear overnight. As the underlying reasons behind many of our feelings, beliefs, and associations become conscious and we begin to see what could be stopping us, we may discover a myriad of other questions that can lead to further insights.
Awareness is not an end goal, it is a process that is always continuing: discovering what blocks our ability to lead consciously and courageously, to be fully present and connected to our fullest potential. This is the case whether we are alone or working with others.
Once we go through this door of self-awareness and building a deeper consciousness of what goes on within, we have entered a room of endless possibilities. We can never go back, not really. Would we want to, if our goal is to continue to grow? Would you want to go back to feeling stuck or that there was something more you could achieve in your life or career? At least, we could not go back and stay there for very long, if we have set an intention to develop our awareness, to see others as equal human beings and have a better understanding of others and ourselves.
The change will have been set in motion. We can continue to move the journey forward.
An important first step in self-awareness is that we must recognize who and where we are in the present. I don’t mean geographical location, but where in the journey of development as a leader and as a person. Let’s begin with your present job. Start by asking the question: “Do I give the best that I have toward the common goal?”
The answer may be sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. It is important to focus on and identify the “sometimes I don’t.”
- Why are you holding back?
- How willing are you to do what it takes to give your best?
- What price are you willing to pay?
- Do you believe it is “easier” to leave the responsibility for your career to someone else, when deep down you know you are holding back and could be contributing more to a positive outcome?
These can be tough questions. They are meant to be. It is how we begin to get us out of our inertia. We have to stir up the hardened, daily trampled-on dirt. There is no telling how much richness you will find in the soil beneath. Remember, this is a process, part of a life-long journey. We do not achieve consciousness or self-awareness at one point, and then keep it forever. Consciousness does not happen on its own. It takes focus and is a deliberate choice that we need to keep making.
Choose daily to understand where you are, and the message you are broadcasting. Choose daily to learn. This is the first step toward becoming a conscious leader.
Exercise
It is helpful to discover, define and write down our goals and desired outcomes with respect to becoming self-aware. These can form your roadmap toward success and you can add to it or take away from it from time to time. The important thing is that you begin to see what it is you really want.
- Recognize who and where you are in the present.
- Do you give the best toward the common goal? If not, why?
- What price are you willing to pay to achieve your desired goal?
On a scale of 1-10, rate yourself with regard to your level of commitment to give your best. If you are not at a 10, what would it take to move up the scale? What is one action you can take to move forward in that direction?
