Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one's own thoughts, feelings, motivations, and behaviors. It involves being conscious of your internal state as well as how you are perceived by others. Self-awareness can be broken down into two main types:
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Internal self-awareness: This is the understanding of your own personality, values, beliefs, and emotions. It involves reflecting on your thoughts and feelings, understanding what drives you, and recognizing how your actions align with your core beliefs.
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External self-awareness: This refers to understanding how others perceive you. It involves being aware of social cues and feedback from others and recognizing the impact of your behavior on those around you.
Self-awareness is a crucial component of emotional intelligence and is associated with various positive outcomes, including improved relationships, better decision-making, and increased psychological well-being. Developing self-awareness often involves practices like mindfulness, journaling, seeking feedback from others, and engaging in self-reflection.