How proactive are you about the trajectory of your life?

If you are constantly in “reactive mode,” you are not in total control of the direction of your life.

What if there was a way to change that? What if you could become more self-aware and use that awareness to take control of your life?

“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free,” Ralph Ellison said.

Self-awareness is one of the most powerful ways to freedom.

It’s the ability to introspect and be conscious of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It involves a deep understanding of yourself, including your strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs.

It’s the entry point to a meaningful life. And the starting point for personal growth and transformation. In fact, a better career, relationship and ultimately an amazing life depends on it.

“The more you know yourself, the more clarity there is. Self-knowledge has no end — you don’t come to an achievement, you don’t come to a conclusion. It is an endless river,” J. Krishnamurti, a philosopher, speaker and writer once said.

When you lack self-awareness, you may be unaware of your biases, blind spots, and negative behaviour patterns.

It limits your ability to make choices that align with your true desires and values, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and a lack of fulfilment.

When we become more self-aware, we gain clarity on our values, beliefs, and behaviours. We start to recognise patterns in our thoughts and emotions and learn to take responsibility for our actions.

This newfound awareness empowers us to make conscious choices and to live in alignment with our true selves. It also allows us to identify the patterns that shape our lives and the limitations that hold us back.

But self-awareness isn’t always easy to achieve.

It requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to look inward and find yourself for yourself without judgement. Don’t judge or analyse your thoughts and feelings; just observe them.

That means facing our fears, flaws, and limitations without being too critical. The rewards are worth the effort.

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing,” says playwright August Wilson.

By cultivating self-awareness, we can break free from limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and self-sabotaging behaviours.

We can live more authentically and joyfully and create a life that truly reflects who we are if we truly know ourselves.

It pays to reclaim consciousness of your self

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” ― C.G. Jung

Self-awareness is the entry point to greater freedom because it helps you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

When you are self-aware, you can identify the things that trigger your negative reactions and work towards overcoming them.

We can recognise our conventional beliefs and assumptions through self-awareness and question their validity.

The questioning process enables us to break free from the mental and emotional patterns that limit our choices and keep us stuck in old habits and routines.

“When you know yourself, you are empowered. When you accept yourself, you are invincible,” playwright Tina Lifford said.

When you become more aware of your thoughts and beliefs, you can challenge those holding you back and choose new beliefs that better serve their goals and desires.

Without self-awareness, it is challenging to master your life because you will be unaware of the areas that need improvement.

When you’re self-aware, you’re more in control of your own life.

You’re less likely to react impulsively to situations and more likely to make choices that align with your values.

Self-awareness leads to greater freedom in the sense that it enables you to break free from limiting beliefs and societal expectations.

“Our very awareness is the window upon which reality presents itself,’ Frederick Lenz, a spiritual teacher, said.

It can also lead to greater freedom in your relationships, as you can better communicate your needs and boundaries and make choices that are aligned with your desires and values.

If you want to live a happier, more fulfilling life, start by developing your self-awareness. There are many different ways to do this.

You can read blogs, and books, take an online course or listen to podcasts. You can also talk to a therapist or counsellor who can help you to explore your inner self. The important thing is to find a method that works for you.

In conclusion, self-awareness is a lifelong journey that requires patience, curiosity, and self-compassion, but greater freedom and fulfilment rewards are well worth the effort.