Have you ever entered a room and completely lost track of why you were there? In a way, it’s similar to starting a career without having any awareness of yourself. You may end up somewhere, but is it where you intended to go?
Why is knowing yourself so important for your career?
Essentially, it’s your inner compass that will lead you to decisions that are in line with your values and goals in life. Yes, it means knowing your strengths and weaknesses along with your triggers, and preferences. Is working under pressure something you do well, or does it lead you to feeling anxious? Being able to understand the details can help you find your genuine calling instead of feeling like a square peg in a round hole.
Let’s use an example to explain our point. Tom is a gifted programmer whose technical abilities have long been admired. He wins a prominent position at a large technology company. But wait – he’s really miserable. Though he enjoys the work itself, he is exhausted with the relentless competitiveness. It finally clicked for him when he was volunteering to teach computer science at a local school. Teaching and mentoring others are two of his favourite things to do. Knowing that your strengths aren’t always your best choices is an example of self-awareness in action.
How can you increase your level of self-awareness?
Reflection is the first step. Tell me what you do to wind down each day and feel fulfilled. Can you name any chores that you absolutely hate? If you want constructive criticism, don’t settle for platitudes; instead, look for opinions from people you can trust. Try taking some personality or career tests; even better, look for a mentor who can provide you with new insights.
Keep in mind that developing self-awareness isn’t a one-and-done deal; rather, it’s a continuous journey. In other words, you should always be asking yourself if the road you’re now travelling is the ideal one.
So, what’s the plan moving forward? Perhaps it’s time to rethink your position or perhaps you need to adjust your approach to the job. Feel free to share your insights and personal stories below. Together, let’s explore the world of professional self-discovery.
