Length: 269 Words     Reading Time: 1 Minute

Know yourself and become self-aware.  Self-knowledge and self-understanding are crucial elements of success.  I believe self-knowledge is the foundation for much of what is called personal development.  You must understand yourself at a deep level.  This understanding requires effort and study and perhaps even taking a test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).  Become a student of your behavior and personality.  Learn to understand what makes you tick and why.  What motivates you, and what causes you discomfort?  What are your strengths, and what are your weaknesses?  Seek feedback from family, friends, and colleagues.

Also, become sensitive to your friends and colleagues and recognize what behaviors they consistently use.  Learn to identify the strengths and weaknesses of others.  Pay attention during conversations and discussions to the words, tone of voice, and body language used by others.

I also want to highlight another aspect of awareness that is critically important, and that is social or situational awareness.  Be sensitive to what is happening around you.  Does anyone need help?  Are you having a conversation with friends or business colleagues and blocking other people from walking by?  When someone joins the conversation you are having, are you recognizing them and recapping what the conversation is about?  Do not live in a universe of one.  Pay attention to what is happening within your immediate vicinity and take courteous action when necessary or called for. 

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Write in your journal your first thoughts after reading this short success idea.

Call to Action:  Set a goal for today to practice self-awareness and social awareness.