How well do you really know yourself? Not the face you put on for the world, but the REAL YOU? Have you ever honestly thought about it? For instance, do you know why your hot buttons are your hot buttons? Did you know you also have the power to disarm them?
Understanding all the factors that go into making us who we are is crucial to understanding why we behave the way we do. Through being self-aware, we learn that by recognizing our limiting beliefs, we can change them and, thus, change our limiting behaviors and unleash possibilities.
What do I mean by that? Perhaps, like me, you grew up being bullied, and because of it, your sense of self-worth plummeted. Why? Because I let other people’s judgment of me define me. It wasn’t until I got to know myself better, i.e., became self-aware, that I realized no one other than me had the right to judge my worthiness, and I reclaimed it.
Similarly, I grew up thinking I sucked at math, and okay, calculus and statistics are definitely not my thing, but I’ve since changed my belief to be that I’m great at math where it matters (my finances!) and where it doesn’t matter, who cares? Those changes had a profound effect on how I feel about myself. I no longer view myself as ‘lacking’ or ‘undeserving,’ and in turn, it’s empowered me to rid myself of many limiting behaviors that were holding me back from reaching my full potential.
It's not something that happens overnight. It’s a journey. One that can be started with the smallest step. Ask yourself:
What do I like about me?
What are my strengths? My best traits?
What do I perceive are my flaws?
Do I perceive this because other people judged me and found me lacking? If so, why do I believe it? What could I accomplish if I relinquished that belief?
If it is a flaw, does it matter?
If it’s not truly a flaw, why do I let it bother me?
What would happen if I used it as a learning opportunity or a chance to show—by asking them for their help--respect for other people who excel in that area?
Am I letting myself be defined by what others think of me? If so, what are some ways I can start replacing their judgment with my own?
It's small steps, but they get the conversation going in your head—especially around how much potential you have and how to start chipping away at the limiting beliefs (and corresponding behaviors) that others have instilled in you. Give it a shot. You’ve got nothing to lose and so, so much to gain.