There are many paths towards self-improvement. One of these, is to look for the positive attributes you possess and appreciate that part of you.

Another important way of becoming a better person is by acknowledging your weaknesses and actively working on improving. These two methods of self-improvement define what it means to be self-aware. Being self-aware can help you relate well with people and increase your ability to achieve your goals

Here are FIVE more reasons why it is important to be self-aware.

Increases your social abilities

Human beings are social beings who thrive on relationships. People who are self-aware are more successful in creating supportive relationships. This is because they are able to realize exactly what they want in each person they meet. That certainty comes from knowing one’s own abilities and challenges. Self-awareness also promotes emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence helps us relate to the feelings of other people. Lacking this skill can leave us in conflict with others. The best way to improve your level of emotional intelligence is by learning your own emotional patterns.

Promotes versatility and open-mindedness

Self-awareness in itself is the ability to actively seek to listen to the body and mind, and to know your natural response to change. This consciousness can thus help you have a clear focus when dealing with life issues. You are also able to accept opinions, feedback, and criticism from other people without being subjective. Ultimately, this will give you multiple solutions to a single problem.

Promotes productivity

People who are self-aware are fast thinkers. They understand themselves and are able to focus on the challenges of the day to day without hindrances. Without understanding yourself, you may be held back by uncertainty. This results in wasting time caused by pondering the many different courses of action, even if a swift decision is needed.

Improves leadership skills

One of the most important attributes of a good leader is the ability to be confident in your decision-making. A leader should also be impartial, and open to others. These are the things we gain by becoming self-aware. Knowing yourself removes internal fears and you are able to focus on the important matters.

Promotes Overall Objectivity

Being self-aware promotes objectivity; this simply means that self-awareness allows us to make decisions without being clouded by poor judgment.

The question is then, how do we cultivate and develop self-awareness?

Ask yourself the following:

• What am I trying to achieve?

• What am I doing that is working?

• What am I doing that is slowing me down?

• What can I do to change?

As you begin to examine your motivation what you say, think, and feel will become more consistent. Building self-awareness is a life-long effort.