Today, I want to talk to you about something that we sometimes overlook in the midst of our daily hustle: self-knowledge. It’s a super important topic, and believe it or not, it affects almost every aspect of our lives. So, why don’t we have a virtual coffee and chat about it?
Self-knowledge is, basically, understanding who you are at your core. It’s not just about knowing that you like chocolate or that you hate horror movies. It goes beyond that. It’s about knowing your strengths, weaknesses, values, beliefs, and, above all, understanding how you react to different situations.
You might be wondering why it’s so important, let me summarize…
It helps you when making decisions, and not just when deciding whether to have coffee or tea for breakfast, but with the toughest decisions, which are also the most important ones and the ones that have the greatest impact on our lives. When you know yourself well, making decisions becomes much easier. You know what you really want and need, and you’re less influenced by other people’s opinions. For example, if you know that you need time alone to recharge, you’ll be able to say no to that party without feeling guilty, or you can tell your friend, “I’ve been working nonstop all week, and if I spend three more minutes in society, your next visit will have to be in prison. By the way, if it comes to that, I like cheesecake, don’t come to see me empty-handed.”
t’s fundamental for managing your stress. Knowing your limits and what causes you stress helps you handle those situations better. You can anticipate and prepare, avoiding being overwhelmed by stress. For example, if you know that public speaking makes you nervous, you can practice more or look for relaxation techniques.
When you understand yourself, it’s easier to communicate and relate to others. You know how to express your needs, and you also understand others better. This will make your relationships healthier and more satisfying.
Self-knowledge is the foundation of personal growth. By knowing which areas you need to improve, you can consciously work on them. Additionally, recognizing your achievements and strengths gives you a boost of confidence that’s always welcome!
You might be wondering how to start, so here are some simple tips to get you going without any issues!
It’s very common for us not to see our strengths, especially if we have low self-esteem or aren’t going through our best moment… That’s why you should ask trusted people how they perceive you and what they believe your strengths and weaknesses are. Take their opinions as a guide, not as an absolute truth. Do this with people you know care about you and who will be objective; asking someone who sees you as perfect won’t help at all, and please don’t ask your arch-nemesis, as that’s not the best option either.
Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. This helps you discover hidden talents and areas of interest that you didn’t know you had. Plus, it allows you to see how you react in different situations, which is key for self-knowledge. And to top it off, it helps you live! You might find new passions and meet incredible people. It’s all advantages.
If you have any lingering doubts, I’ll tell you that self-knowledge also has practical applications… Knowing what you’re passionate about and what you’re good at can guide you in your professional career. You’ll be able to look for jobs that align with your interests and skills, which will make you happier and more satisfied. We don’t talk enough about having to work 8-10 hours doing something you hate… Work on what you’re passionate about, and you won’t have to work a single day in your life.
Self-knowledge, start with that!!!
