If someone were to ask you to define yourself, what would you say? If you’re like most of us, you might list your job, your family status, or town where you’re from. You might also list some likes or dislikes, or even mention what others have said about you.
But while these answers describe what you do, and what you like –it doesn’t answer the core question: who are you?
If you’re stumped at how you would answer this question, you’re certainly not alone! Very few people understand exactly who they are. We live in a world where everything is instant, and time for reflection is rare –and for most of us, we don’t have much spare time for deep analysis and reflection. But the fact that we’re distracted, doesn’t take away from the importance of discovering who you are.
Underneath the exterior, and all the labels, ideas, and preferences –is you. And understanding who, exactly, that person is can help build your confidence. Uncovering your identity takes time and effort –but it’s worth it. Since you’ll be in-tune with who you are and what you believe, you’ll be free to live more consciously and purposefully –and that leads to success.
Let’s explore how your success can improve with self-understanding!
Build Your Confidence
Self-awareness builds confidence. Because you will know who you are, you’ll be more confident with that person and more in-tune with what you need to do to make things happen. Additionally, your confidence in yourself will inspire others to feel confident in you as well, helping to further your success.
Improve Competence
Self-confidence will also help you to feel more adept at dealing with different situations. Self-confidence will lead to a better understanding of what works for you, and what doesn’t –and since you feel more confident in your ability to perform different tasks, you will have more success with the outcomes too.
Reduce Conflict
Instead of simply reacting, you’ll understand why you feel like responding in a certain way, and this awareness will help you to respond in a manner that’s more conducive to success. It will also help you choose better ways of managing conflict since you will better understand why you are upset over certain things, helping to prevent misunderstandings.
Become More Goal-Oriented
Self-awareness can help you become more goal-oriented. If you don’t know who you are, you won’t know where you’re going –or why you want to get there in the first place! Being aware of what you want out of life will help you to focus your direction, allowing you to live more intentionally. It will help you to discover where you want to go, and will provide you with the motivation to get there.
To set yourself up for success, start by defining your goals with clarity. Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Understand why these goals matter to you, so you stay motivated even when faced with challenges. Dream big, envision your future, and identify what will bring more joy, peace, and fulfillment to your life. Being clear and specific about your objectives helps in forming concrete actions that move you closer to success.
Finally, self-understanding can help you connect with others better as well. People are naturally drawn to those who have a clear sense of direction. Since you’ll be in-touch with your goals, and confident in your beliefs, you’ll be able to give others something that they can connect with. You’ll also be more confident to reach out to others and forge meaningful and lasting relationships.
So take the time to learn more about who you are, and what makes you tick. Being self-aware is an important for business, and personal relationships. Instead of being driven and tossed by every wave, you’ll be able to forge your identity, and consciously chart your course –and will be more focused on things that matter.
Live intentionally. Make every day count.