As I was starting the posting about this law from John Maxwell’s book, I told to myself: it is useless, everybody knows that self-awareness is critical, and I would not tell anyone something new. And yet… too many people still live in a corner that they know way too well, and don’t make any moves to learn more about themselves and continue to grow.
I have in mind one colleague – who, at that time would speak
with high confidence about anything and everything, who would interrupt you to
continue what she thought you were about to say, and who would focus on those
little things that count to maybe 2% of the business. And yet – she would not
be aware of the low impact she would have, and why that happened…
John C. Maxwell’s “The
15 Invaluable Laws of Personal Growth” helped me understand why this
happens with his Law of Awareness: You must know yourself to grow yourself.
It’s a simple truth - understanding who you are is the starting point for any
meaningful growth, like finding the first piece of a puzzle.
The Law of Awareness: Your Growth Starts Here
Maxwell’s Law of Awareness is clear: to grow in your career
or personal life, you need to know your strengths, weaknesses, values, and
goals. Without this, you’re like a traveler without a map - moving, but not
necessarily toward your destination. For me, it was a reminder to stop and
reflect on what truly matters.
Ask yourself:
- What
are my core values and passions?
- What
am I naturally good at, and where do I need to improve?
- Where
do I see myself in a year or five years?
These questions help you create a roadmap for growth,
aligning your efforts with who you are and where you want to go.
Why Self-Awareness Matters
Self-awareness is the ability to see yourself clearly - your
emotions, behaviors, strengths, and blind spots. It’s the foundation for better
decisions and stronger relationships. A Korn Ferry Institute study found
self-aware leaders are 79% more effective, but this isn’t just for leaders - it’s
for anyone aiming to grow. Here’s why self-awareness is a game-changer:
- Smarter
Choices: Knowing your strengths and values helps you pick roles or
projects that fit, like choosing teamwork-driven tasks if you thrive in
collaboration.
- Stronger
Relationships: Understanding your emotional triggers lets you respond
thoughtfully, building trust with colleagues or friends.
- Increased
Resilience: Recognizing your limits means you can ask for help before
burning out, keeping you steady in tough times.
- Authentic
Leadership: Being open about your strengths and weaknesses inspires
others to trust and follow you.
- Clear
Direction: Clarity about what drives you keeps you focused, even when
challenges arise.
Beyond Maxwell’s insights, other thought leaders emphasize
self-awareness’s transformative power. In Emotional
Intelligence, Daniel Goleman highlights that self-awareness is the
cornerstone of emotional intelligence, enabling you to manage emotions and
navigate conflicts with empathy. Tasha Eurich, in Insight, distinguishes between internal
self-awareness (understanding your own values and goals) and external
self-awareness (knowing how others perceive you). Balancing these two
perspectives helps you align your self-view with reality, avoiding blind spots
that can derail growth. For example, you might see yourself as a great
communicator, but external feedback could reveal you need to listen more
actively.
Beyond the previous three questions, two additional ideas may help to deepen self-awareness:
- Embrace
the “Pause and Reflect” Habit: Goleman suggests pausing during
emotional moments to name your feelings (e.g., “I’m frustrated because…”).
This builds self-awareness by connecting your emotions to their causes,
helping you respond intentionally rather than react impulsively.
- Seek
Contrasting Perspectives: Eurich recommends seeking feedback from
diverse sources - colleagues, friends, even critics - to uncover how
others see you. This external lens can reveal gaps in your
self-perception, like realizing you come across as abrupt when you thought
you were direct.
Download this guide to help you unlock your potential
Practical Steps to Build Self-Awareness
Here are some practical approaches you can try to better
understand yourself:
- Journal
Regularly: Spend 5-10 minutes daily reflecting on your day. Ask: “What
energized me? What drained me?” This uncovers patterns over time.
- Ask
for Feedback: Seek honest input from colleagues or mentors about your
strengths and growth areas. A 360-degree feedback process can offer
diverse insights.
- Use
Assessment Tools: Try StrengthsFinder, DISC, or the Enneagram to
discover your natural talents and tendencies.
- Define Your Values: List your top five values (e.g., integrity, creativity, connection). Ensure your decisions align with them to stay grounded.
- Practice
Mindfulness: In high-pressure moments, pause and ask: “Why am I
feeling this way?” This helps you manage emotions thoughtfully.
- Set
Clear Goals: Create a personal mission statement or vision board to
define your aspirations and guide your choices.
The Ripple Effect of Knowing Yourself
Self-awareness impacts more than just you - it shapes your
interactions with others. Knowing your strengths lets you take on roles where
you excel, like leading a project that matches your skills. Recognizing your
weaknesses helps you delegate effectively, empowering your team. It also makes
you adaptable, so you can navigate career shifts or challenges by focusing on
opportunities that align with your goals.
Your Next Step: Start Small
When I started reflecting on what drives me, it was like
flipping on a light switch. You don’t need all the answers today. Just try one
thing: ask yourself – “What’s one thing I can learn about myself this week?”
Maybe it’s a strength you’ve overlooked or a goal you are ready to chase. Each
step toward self-awareness moves you closer to your potential.
What’s one way you’re building self-awareness? Share in the
comments - let’s inspire each other to grow!
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