The term ‘awareness’ is mostly used in the context of knowing something about our surroundings or a phenomenon that is in our social environment. Rarely do we talk about ourselves and the layers that we are made of. Self-awareness, as the term suggests is all about knowing the self, our feelings, behavior, traits, etc. It is the ability to know yourself completely and clearly. As easy as it sounds, it really isn’t. It is relatively easier to understand how another person is, to recognize their traits, and point out the positive aspects as well as the flaws. Being aware of one’s own inner thoughts requires extra thought, analysis, and objectivity.
In an educational setup, both the educator as well as the student should ideally be self-aware, in order to create a positive space. It promotes more productivity, satisfaction, and self-reliance. A teacher can help the students by teaching them how to reflect, monitor, and evaluate themselves.
Where does self-awareness play a role?
Neetu studies in 10th standard. She loves to play guitar, but as soon as she’s selected by her music teacher for any competition, she turns it down. Realizing the pattern, her music teacher sends her to a guidance counselor in her school. With that help, Neetu realizes that she has a lack of self-esteem and she believes she is not good enough, even though she is. The next time she is asked to participate, before turning the opportunity down, she thinks of why she wants to refuse. With the help of a good support system, she is able to create self-awareness and make better choices.
Self-awareness increases confidence, boosts acceptance, encourages positive development, widens horizons, builds a better perspective, leads to better decision making, improves interpersonal relationships, and adds to general well being.
How to boost self-awareness?
Pen down your feelings: A good way to start the journey of being self-aware is writing down thoughts that are stuck in your mind. Maintaining a journal with both positive and negative thoughts is a good idea. Nowadays even mobile apps (digital journals) are available that have a friendly user interface. This also includes self-reflection. Each day, in the end, take out 15 minutes and self-reflect.
Talk to someone you trust/gain perspective: Sometimes, people who are close to us might be able to help us in recognizing certain traits that we ourselves can’t pinpoint. It can be a friend, a family member, or even a teacher. Practice listening.
Activities: Schools/Teachers can conduct activities that involve talking about things in an open and non-judgmental space. These can include writing activities, discussions, one on one sessions, etc.
Mindful habits: While multitasking is great sometimes, but focusing on a single task improves concentration and makes you more mindful of the present moment. Setting small goals and accomplishing them can be helpful.
Reading: Reading books that deal with aspects of thoughts, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness can result in realizations that might not strike us otherwise.
It is supremely important to remember that it is a process, and does not happen overnight. We grow, change, and evolve. It is a long and slow process and requires you to be forgiving towards yourself.
“We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change” - Sheryl Sandberg
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