Are You on the Right Path? 3 Blocks to Self-Awareness

Earlier this week someone asked me on social media…

“How do I know if I am on the right path?”

In the same week, another person asked for journaling prompts to deepen their self-awareness, clarity and insight. 

I have the perfect tool for you today…

Download my ultimate 3 question journaling tool that I use with the experts, entrepreneurs and change-makers I work with.

I always knew there was value in self-awareness, but it wasn’t until I started to become more conscious of my repetitive patterns that I fully understood it.

In 2018, I became frustrated with the same recurring problems - arguments at work, family challenges and health niggles. 

I was clearly not on the right path, I didn't feel like myself but I didn't know why…

I invested in coaching and realised there were things I was not fully conscious of that were co-creating challenges in my relationships, career and health. 

Once you accept that you have unconscious blocks, your growth becomes exponential.

I went on an introspective journey of authenticity.

After all, like Oscar Wilde said:

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” 

And Steve Jobs…

“Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

And Ralph Waldo Emerson…

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you someone else is the greatest accomplishment.”

I started to use tools like journaling, meditation and solitude. So many insights occurred that have ultimately led to more bliss, peace and compassion.

These emotions enabled me to set up a business that operates across 4 continents, connect with leaders in the field and be featured in international publications. 

The challenge remains for every client I work with. 

What do I focus on to grow? 

Who am I? 

How can I discover what I am not conscious of? 

In today’s frenetic modern world our self-awareness is suppressed. Our inner voice is muted. Our natural light is dimmed. 

Why? The answer lies in how our mind relates to our environment.

***

Here are 3 blocks to self-awareness:

1. People

As neuroscientist Daniel Siegel notes, the mind has a relational quality, meaning you influence me and I influence you. 

The stronger the emotional connection, the greater the susceptibility to influence. If you are a caring, empathic and sensitive soul, you are powerful because you can influence. 

It also means you are influenceable. 

Gaining awareness of what thoughts, beliefs and patterns are not truly yours can be transformational. Next time you feel some resistance or disconnection ask yourself…

"Is this even mine?"

This is not to blame anyone else, but to bring yourself back to your authenticity. I would also recommend daily solitude, preferably at the end or start of your day to ensure your mind is clear. 

How you start or end the day becomes the story of the day. 

2. Places

Places emit energy. Have you ever walked into a room and just felt calm, peaceful and at ease? 

That is because of the energetic space. The converse is true also.

Nature connects you to your authenticity because YOU are nature. We are all made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen just like a tree. It is the organisation and expression of these atoms that is different. 

Be in nature to connect deeper with yourself every single day. 

3. Phone

I use the term 'phone' here to mean all devices. Your phone contains the consciousness of millions of people at the tap of a button.

It is beautiful but, in the hands of an unconscious, purposeless soul, it can cloud your judgement. It can make you believe you are something you are not. 

Initially it may be wise to create phone free periods in your day but, after a while, if you have highly curated your digital environment, it can be a phenomenal space for inspiration, creativity and connection. 

Ask your intuition - it knows the answer…

***

To download and use the ultimate 3 question journal, click here. And get in touch to let me know what resonated. 

With love, 

Nilesh