Self-Awareness and Personal Development
We often think of leadership as a title or a position, something reserved for those who manage teams or run organizations. But what if I told you that leadership starts with you, right where you are? Yes, even if you're not officially designated as a leader (yet). The truth is that anyone can be a leader by taking charge of their own personal development and self-awareness, as covered in the book Everybody, Be Cool!
The book covers 6 lessons to elevate the workplace vibe. The first lesson is: Be aware of your surroundings. The second lesson is: Journey into your awareness, as we explore in this post. What does it mean to journey into your awareness and what resources are available to you?
This topic covers the actual way that you think—your inner monologue. This makes all the difference in your life satisfaction, resilience, relationships with yourself and others, and how you communicate your story. And you don’t have to settle for the status quo. You can change how you think if it doesn’t serve you as well as it could.
The Power of Coaching
One great tool is coaching. Coaching isn’t just for executives or those climbing the corporate ladder. It can help you develop self-awareness, higher levels of consciousness, active listening, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and more good human stuff. This style of professional development is really personal development since it transcends the workplace and can make you a better person with better relationships. When you grow as a person, it also positively impacts your work as well.
And here’s the kicker: it's not just about improving your work life. The benefits of coaching extend far beyond the office walls, making you a better communicator, a better partner, and a better human being. According to BetterUp Labs, companies that embrace a strong coaching culture see a 24% performance boost and achieve 20% more of their goals. So, coaching is a win-win—for you and your organization.
But why wait for a promotion or a leadership role to start this journey? The sooner you begin, the better prepared you'll be for the opportunities that come your way. And trust me, those opportunities will come.
The Importance of Self-Awareness
One of the main reasons I wrote Everybody, Be Cool! is to empower individuals to realize their own potential and to take charge of their personal development. The one constant you can rely on is yourself. Self-awareness is your compass, guiding you through the chaos.
But here’s a fun fact that might surprise you: A Harvard Business Review study found that while most people believe they are self-aware, only 10% to 15% actually are. That means the majority of us are walking around thinking we’ve got it all figured out when in reality, we might be a little (or a lot) off course.
So, how do you know if you’re truly self-aware? Start by asking the people close to you for feedback. (Just don’t get mad if you don’t like what they have to say—that might be a sign you’ve got some work to do.)
Taking Accountability for Your Actions
Self-awareness isn't just about knowing your strengths and weaknesses. It's also about taking responsibility for your actions and how you show up in the world. Are you carrying around unhealed trauma or unresolved conflicts that impact how you interact with others? Are your communication skills and ability to listen affecting your relationships at work and home?
It’s easy to blame external circumstances or other people for our struggles, but true growth happens when we acknowledge our role in the situations we find ourselves in. What patterns do you see in your life? And more importantly, what are you doing to address them?
Living and Working Consciously
Elevating your consciousness means being open to change, growth, and transformation. It’s about leading your thoughts, emotions, and actions from a higher level of awareness. As Joelle Jackson, author of Unlock Your Conscious Leadership, explains, conscious leadership is an inclusive style of leadership that starts with self-leadership. Once you’ve mastered that, you’re better equipped to lead others—whether that’s your family, your team, or just yourself.
But here’s the deal: You can’t control everything around you. You can’t control the state of the world or the behavior of others. What you can control is how you respond.
Identity and the Workplace
Job security can be volatile. It’s more important than ever to separate your identity from your job. Your worth isn’t defined by your title, your role, or even your achievements. As Neha Mandhani, executive coach and leadership development consultant, says, “Your job is not your identity. You’re more than your resume or your logo. Don’t miss the important things in your life because you are replaceable at work. No boss gets to decide your worthiness. You’re worthy because of who you are!”
Therapy: It’s Not Just for Tony Soprano
If you’re human (which I’m assuming you are), therapy should be on your to-do list. Because, why not? Even Tony Soprano from the HBO classic (and perfect show) The Sopranos saw a therapist. Therapy isn’t just for those in crisis. It’s a tool for everyone to develop greater awareness and coping skills.
And if your workplace offers therapy benefits like an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), take advantage of it! If not, consider investing in your mental health through affordable virtual options like BetterHelp or Talkspace.
The Sopranos' Tony Soprano as Kevin Finnerty asking the deep questions
The Journey Inward
The journey inward can be challenging, but it’s also the most rewarding. When you take control of your personal development, you’re not just improving your work life—you’re enhancing every aspect of your life. So, start today. Take responsibility, elevate your consciousness, and invest in yourself. After all, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself.
Reach out if you’re interested in workshops around self-awareness for your organization.
