Whether you are interviewing for a position or meeting someone new, it’s likely you’ll be asked the question, “Tell me something about yourself”. Your ability to confidently respond to that question determines what people will remember about you, how they will engage with you and what they will tell others about you.
Self-awareness is the core of authenticity — and authenticity leads to trust. In fact, research has proven that within the first seven seconds of meeting, people will have a solid impression of who you are — and some research suggests a tenth of a second is all it takes to start determining traits like trustworthiness.
Self awareness involves involves deep personal honesty. It comes from asking and answering hard question. ~ Stephen Covey
To gain more opportunities by increasing your awareness try these tips:
1. Keep a journal. Look for patterns in how you think and perceive things that happen to you. Then make changes as necessary.
2. Write down your goals, plans, and priorities. Create a step by step process to achieve your objectives becomes a guide of understanding your skills, threats and opportunities.
3. Take personality and psychometric tests. I personally recommend Gallups StrengthsFinder and Emotional Intelligence tests. Learn your strengths, weaknesses, behaviors and communication style.
4. Practice meditation and other mindfulness habits. Become more aware of your stressors and motivators.
5. Ask trusted friends, colleagues or former managers to describe you. Not many know you better than those closest to you. Be open to constructive criticism.
Take action now. Download POWER THOUGHTS to practice ways to be more mindful and purposeful in your thoughts and actions.
