Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance is crucial in today’s world, where seeking approval from others and comparing ourselves to them has become commonplace. Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth and success. It involves a conscious understanding of our personality, emotions, motivations, and desires.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the concept of self-awareness, examine how the energy of others can affect us, and discuss ways to shift our focus from seeking external validation to finding inner approval. This journey is about understanding and accepting ourselves, which can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life.
In a world where we often look to others for approval and constantly compare ourselves, embracing self-awareness is more important than ever. It’s like the first step toward personal growth and fulfillment. This journey is about truly understanding who we are, including our character, emotions, motivations, and what we want.
This blog is your guide to exploring self-awareness and its powerful influence on our lives. We’ll delve into how the energy of those around us affects, and most importantly, how to stop seeking validation from the outside world and instead find it within ourselves. Let’s dive in and discover the key to a more authentic and satisfying life.
What is self-awareness?
Self-awareness is the base of personal development and understanding of our emotional needs. It’s all about being in tune with your thoughts, feelings & behaviours without being too hard on yourself. When we truly understand ourselves, we can make decisions that reflect our values and aspirations. This means being honest about our strengths and weaknesses and using this knowledge to guide our choices. This level of self-understanding can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Understanding energies & vibes
The energies and vibes of people around us can profoundly affect our emotions, actions, and overall well-being. It’s like catching someone’s mood – if they’re positive, we tend to feel uplifted, but if they’re negative, it can bring us down. It’s critical to be aware of this influence and make conscious choices about the people we spend time with and the environments we immerse ourselves in.
It’s also important to recognise and protect ourselves from what is referred to as “energy vampires”. These are people who consistently emit negative energy and drain our own positivity. Energy vampires can be exhausting and detrimental to our personal growth and happiness. By setting healthy boundaries and consciously choosing to spend time with people who uplift and inspire us, we can safeguard our own energy and maintain a positive mindset.
Essentially, you can choose the company you keep and the environments you engage in. Surround yourself with positive people and watch how it impacts your experiences and overall well-being.
The perils of comparison
For many of us, we fall into the trap of comparison. At the same time, it is natural to look at others and assess our own lives based on what we see. However, this habit often leads to feelings of self-doubt and insecurity and even negative emotions like sadness, anxiety, jealousy, or even envy.
Recognizing that these comparisons are usually rooted in surface-level observations that don’t provide the complete picture of someone’s life is essential. It’s vital to remember that each person’s journey is unique, and it’s critical to remember that we are all on our individual paths.
Making comparisons only diverts our focus from our growth and progress. Let’s flip this: instead of getting caught up in comparing ourselves to others, we focus on our goals, aspirations, and personal development.
External Approval
Constantly seeking approval from others can leave us feeling drained and unsatisfied. It can create a never-ending craving for external reassurance, hindering us from making choices that truly resonate with our authentic selves. We become susceptible to their opinions when we depend on others for validation. Real self-esteem comes from within, not from what others think of us. We should strive to value ourselves based on our standards and not let others’ opinions dictate our self-worth.
Time to look inward
Taking time for self-reflection and self-love is like giving yourself a friendly tour of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. You can do this through simple activities like journalling, meditation, or just a few quiet moments each day to connect with your inner self. To start, think about what truly matters to you, what you love, and what inspires your passions. It’s a journey to uncover the beautiful layers of your uniqueness.
Embrace your uniqueness
Embrace your one-of-a-kind qualities because they make you stand out from the crowd. Your authenticity is like a magnetic force that naturally attracts people to you. Rather than copying others, invest your energy in developing your strengths and follow your passions. It’s the journey to becoming the best version of yourself, which is the most appealing and fulfilling path you can take.
Practicing Gratitude
Each day, take a moment to reflect on the things that make you happy and that you appreciate. Practicing gratitude is a simple but potent habit that can boost your confidence and happiness. It’s like flipping a mental switch that shifts your attention from what you may lack to the abundance of good things you already possess. When you acknowledge your blessings, you’re sowing the seeds of a more positive perspective and a joyful heart. This practice can also help you appreciate life’s small things, making your daily experiences richer and more fulfilling.
Learn to seek and accept feedback
To grow personally, it’s essential to welcome and accept helpful feedback. Constructive feedback can be a valuable tool on your journey towards becoming the best version of yourself—approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to adapt and learn. You recognize that feedback is not a reflection of your worth but rather a guide on your path to self-enhancement. Keep an open mind and stay willing to adapt and grow.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting goals provides a clear path and purpose that matches our values and dreams. Regardless of how minor the progress may seem, it’s essential always to acknowledge and celebrate our wins. If we overlook our small accomplishments, our larger goals can start to feel out of reach, so remember to give yourself credit for every step forward, no matter how small. This will keep you motivated and make your goal feel achievable.
In a world filled with noise & distractions, cultivating self-awareness and learning to look within can be a powerful antidote. It’s a journey that requires practice and self-compassion. Embrace your uniqueness, let go of the need for external validation, and start nurturing the most important relationship you’ll ever have – the one with yourself. Remember, your energy and vibe should reflect your authentic self, not an imitation of others.
When we do this, we start aligning ourselves with people who see us for who we are and who are on the same energy level as us.
If you are in and out of relationships, friends or even work colleagues are constantly leaving, you must stop and pause and ask yourself. Why!! What role did I play in their decision? Remember, in friendships/relationships/work environments, at least two people are always involved.
We are very quick to blame others, but once we take the time to drill down into ourselves, we can see the role we played that caused the breakdown. Without this self-awareness, we just keep continuing the same patterns & cycles in our future relationships/friendships & how we communicate with others.
To get clarity on this, we need to ask ourselves these questions:
- Did I set clear boundaries and communicate them effectively?
- Did I actively listen and try to understand the other person’s perspective?
- Did I express my needs and concerns in a respectful & assertive manner?
- Did I take responsibility for my actions and apologize when necessary?
- Did I practice empathy and try to see things from the other’s point of view?
- Did I prioritize open & honest communication, or did I avoid difficult conversations?
- Did I make assumptions or jump to conclusions without seeking clarification?
- Did I actively work on resolving conflicts, or did I let them escalate?
By asking yourself these questions and honestly reflecting on your own behaviour, you can gain valuable insights into your patterns and cycles. Self-awareness allows you to make conscious choices and break free from repeating in future relationships and interactions.
You’ve got this!!
