Healing and Hypnotherapy Volume 4 Issue - 4, 1 October 2019 | Page 25

3. Ask someone to point out your blind spots
Yes, I know this initially sounds pretty damn scary. But it’s actually one of the
most powerful self-awareness activities out there. A word of caution, though:
unless you want to be roasted, it’s better to find a trusted friend, counsellor,
spiritual guide or coworker for this activity. You’ll want to ensure this person is
close to you and feels comfortable with being honest. Then, ask them to
reveal any weaknesses or unhelpful habits that you might possess.
Remember that for this task you have to mentally prepare yourself. You don’t
want to ask someone to do a favor for you and then tear out their throat in
anger! Facing our flaws can be confronting and distressing to the ego. So
ensure that you’re in a calm and centered space beforehand.
Studies have shown that our coworkers can evaluate our strengths and
weaknesses twice as more accurately than we can – they see things that we
can’t or won’t see. The more people you seek out, the better. Make use of the
insight others have in your life and use it to your advantage.
4. Stand in front of the mirror
A simple but powerful way of becoming more self-aware is to listen to your
self-talk. The best way that I’ve found of doing this is to stand right in front of
the mirror staring at yourself. What insecurities or negative self-judgments
arise? What are the dominant feelings you experience? “Mirror Work” will give
you a direct insight into how you perceive yourself, and therefore increase
your self-awareness.
5. Think about your greatest strengths
Reflect on your accomplishments and the things you’re proud of. What do you
like about yourself? Get a journal and record all of your discoveries. The more
aware you are of your strengths, the more you’ll be able to make self-aware
decisions that are aligned with your authentic self.
6. Explore your biggest weaknesses
It might seem unnecessary or even detrimental to explore your weaknesses,
but as Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “our strength grows out of our
weaknesses.” Once you are able to face and own these darker parts of
yourself, the more freedom and power you will paradoxically experience. My
favourite way to explore weaknesses is by examining the shadow.