Beyond Validation

Welcome to this issue of AchieveHER!

Today, we're diving into a transformative mindset shift that can change EVERYTHING.

Inspired by Dr. Tasha Eurich's 4 self-awareness archetypes, we'll explore how moving from superficial self-awareness to true understanding can lead to personal growth and internal clarity.

TODAY’s TOPIC

• What is self-awareness

• Why does it matter

• How to improve it

WHAT

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It involves being conscious of your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations.

Self-awareness allows you to see yourself clearly and objectively, which can lead to better decision-making, improved relationships, and personal growth.

There are two main types of self-awareness:

1. Internal Self-Awareness: Understanding your own inner thoughts, feelings, and values. This helps you align your actions with your true self.

2. External Self-Awareness: Understanding how others perceive you. This helps you navigate social interactions and build stronger connections.

WHY

Did you know 95% of people think they’re self-aware, but only 10-15% actually are?

When I first started exploring self-awareness, my focus was on:

• Chasing external validation.

• Ignoring how others perceived me.

• Trying to understand myself without seeking feedback.

But little did I know:

• I was chasing superficial self-awareness, not true understanding.

• I was chasing societal expectations, not personal growth.

• I was chasing external approval, not internal clarity.

The reason? My environment and upbringing made me think that was the goal.

A slippery slope. An endless chase for perfection.

That’s when I realized that true self-awareness is not about pleasing others but about understanding and growing oneself.

HOW

To achieve TRUE self-awareness, we need to:

• Stop chasing superficial self-awareness and aim for true understanding.

• Move away from societal expectations and focus on personal growth.

• Seek internal clarity rather than external approval.

Here are few tips to get you started:

1. Reflect Regularly: Set aside time each week to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Journaling can be a great tool for this.

2. Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends, family, or colleagues for honest feedback about how they perceive you. Use this feedback constructively.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to stay present and aware of your internal state.

4. Set Personal Goals: Define what personal growth means to you and set achievable goals that align with your values and aspirations.

5. Embrace Vulnerability: Be open to acknowledging your weaknesses and areas for improvement. This openness can lead to deeper self-understanding and growth.

6. Ask "What" Questions: Instead of asking "Why did this happen to me?" ask "What can I do to improve this situation?" This shift, suggested by Dr. Tasha Eurich, fosters a more constructive and actionable mindset.

Let's NOT be:

• Introspectors

• Pleasers

• Seekers

Instead, let's be truly AWARE.

Flip the narrative and focus on growing you :)

Until next week,

Jaspreet