Read more about Personal Development
Based on the definitions of the two, Self-Awareness could then be said to be simply “knowledge of oneself.” However, such a definition will appear basic as it does not fully convey what it truly means. So, it is necessary to go further with our definition. According to research carried out by Organizational Psychologist, Tasha Eurich and her team, there are two different types of Self-awareness (internal and external self-awareness) they believed could suffice from the various definitions available about the subject. Going by the above, I would like to define Self-Awareness to mean knowledge of your person gained by yourself and through the eyes of others. It is the conscious knowledge of your make-up, that is, your thoughts, emotions, feelings, strengths and weaknesses and how all these affect your actions and inactions.
Why Does Self-Awareness Matter for Your Growth?
1. It Helps You Make Better Decisions
How many people do you know who studied a course they didn’t like just because their parents said so? Or those who chose careers based on money rather than passion? This is common in Nigeria, where external expectations often dictate life choices. But when you are self-aware, you know what truly matters to you, making it easier to make decisions that align with your strengths, values, and goals. Instead of blindly following what others expect, you take charge of your own path. This doesn’t mean you ignore worthy counsel, but rather making informed choices that bring you long-term fulfilment.Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
2. It Builds Confidence
Have you ever felt unsure about yourself, even when you’re good at something? That’s often because you don’t fully understand your strengths. Self-awareness helps you recognize what you excel at, and this knowledge in turn boosts your confidence. When you know yourself, you stop doubting your abilities and start owning them.3. It Improves Your Relationships
Many people struggle in their relationships—whether at work, with family, or in friendships—because they don’t understand how they come across to others. You may think you are just being honest, but others may see you as rude. You may believe you are a good listener, but your actions might show otherwise. Self-awareness helps you understand your emotions and reactions, making you more mindful of how you interact with others.4. It Helps You Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt
Many people in Nigeria have big dreams but never take action because of fear. There is fear of failure, fear of judgment, and even fear of the unknown. However, self-awareness helps you understand where that fear is coming from and how to push past it. When you truly know yourself, you stop letting fear control you.5. It Makes Personal Growth Happen
You need to know yourself to grow yourself. Many people set goals but never achieve them because they don’t have a clear understanding of themselves. Self-awareness helps you track your progress and recognize areas that need improvement. Without self-awareness, personal development becomes a guessing game. But when you understand yourself, you can set realistic goals and take intentional steps toward becoming the best version of yourself.Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
Concluding Thoughts
Self-awareness is the foundation of a meaningful and successful life. Without it, you risk making choices that leave you unfulfilled and stuck in a cycle of frustration. But when you develop self-awareness, you take control of your decisions, relationships, and future. So, the question is, do you truly know yourself?Did you find this article useful? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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