The Power of Self-Awareness

We are often attached to beliefs that have been held for a very long time. They influence our most frequent thoughts which then lead to a set of typical internal and external reactions. It is these reactions that lend quite significantly to our everyday experiences.

We often seek to change external circumstances or hold a desire for the people around us to change. Although, at our core, we instinctively know the truth. We must examine the underlying beliefs we hold and determine which ones serve and which ones do not.

One of my repeated, unconscious beliefs is that I need to protect my children in all ways and at all costs (in other words, over and above what is healthy and/or necessary). This leads to me overcompensating, getting into conversations that are out of alignment with who I really am, stifling my kids' abilities to take responsibility for their own growth and development and all sorts of other unattractive reactions and results. Over the years, I am increasingly becoming aware of those moments when this belief is leading me and all the ways it does not serve me or my children and I try to consciously shift to higher ground. It continues to be a work in progress.

Imagine that an underlying belief is that you are not as smart as other people. If this is your repeated internal story, you'd likely compare yourself to others or try and overcompensate or maybe you'd avoid situations that might reveal your perceived inept abilities. You then may appear as passive-aggressive, defensive, uninterested, aloof or abrupt. You can imagine the experiences these reactions might create for you in your life and work relationships.

Now imagine shifting consciously and repetitively to a new perspective, like this one: We each have strengths we bring to the table. How might this new and frequent thought begin to influence your behaviors, reactions and experiences?

What are the stories you tell yourself are true? Any of these sound familiar?  

• There's never enough.
• I am not enough.
• I have to do everything myself.
• The only way to get ahead is to work myself to the bone.
• If only my spouse, relative, co-worker, boss, etc would change, then I could be happy.
• I should _________.
• I can't __________.
• I'm not _________ .
• I don't deserve to speak up.
• I have to be aggressive in order to be heard and respected.
• People are crazy, mean, unkind, stupid, etc...

Through self awareness and reflection, we can learn to recognize these limiting beliefs and how they impact our lives, work and relationships. What experiences are you ready to improve? Then dig up those beliefs and try on a few new perspectives.  

You really are that powerful.