In relation to ourselves, when we embark on behavior change an awareness of the relationship of our behaviors to our dreams, goals, and aspirations can encourage this transformation. In relation to others, putting ourselves in other’s shoes of how they perceive our behavior can be a little bit distressing. This holds true especially, when they don’t view us the way in which we view ourselves. Be it as it may, being aware of how others perceive us can motivate us to change our behavior (Bracken, Timmreck, & Church, 2001). Certainly, we might not like various behaviors that we do but with proper awareness we can promote a change in a different direction.
Challenging our behaviors with questions such as: What did I learn from this? How do I want to be? How do I want to be perceived? These can all be very powerful in developing behavioral awareness. People who try to resolve various behaviors need to realize that focusing on the behavior alone will never get to the source of the issue (Brown, Hansen, Chopra, & Mikiah, 2008). The key to behavior awareness is the link between how we act and what we want to accomplish. Many times someone might act in a certain way but there may be underlying issues that result in these behaviors. Getting to the root of the behavior will allow us to make real and lasting change.
Conclusion
We see that the relationship of awareness to our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is not limited to knowing what we think, feel, and do. Awareness is being in touch with our true selves. It is understanding why we think, feel, and behave in certain ways.
When we have awareness, we are making conscious decisions and we are empowered and moving forward. Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are deliberate and significant because we have such clarity of who we truly are and what we really want.
With awareness our thoughts are no longer on “autopilot.” Instead, they are consciously and deliberately dancing along because we understand why we think this way.
With awareness we are in touch with our emotions to the point where we know which situations spark certain feelings and we are prepared to deal with them.
With awareness our behaviors are learning models to build responsibility and growth with change.
This is the foundation of self-awareness. Once you have the capacity to notice your thoughts, feelings, and body all other great things will emanate from that (Wilson, 2011). When awareness is implemented into our daily lives, we will not and cannot be the same.
References
Adamchik, W. (2011). Construction Leadership from A to Z: 26
Words to Lead by. Greenleaf Book Group.
Bracken, D., Timmereck, C.W., & Church, A.H. (2001). The Handbook of Multi Source Feedback: The Comprehensive Resource for Designing and Implementing MSF Processes. Jossey-Bass
Brown, L., Hansen, M.V., Chopra, D. & Mikiah, K. (2008). Success is a State of Mind: Building a Foundation for Your Future. Insight Publishing Company.
Hughes, M., Terrell, J.B. (2011). The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Understanding and Developing the Behaviors of Success. Jossey-Bass.
ICF Website <http://www.coachfederation.org/> (visited April 25, 2012)
Nowack, K.M. (1997). Self-ratings as Predictor of Assessment Center Performance. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality
Rock, D. & Pge, L.J. (2009). Coaching With the Brain in Mind: Foundations for Practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Segal, J., Smith, M., & Robinson, L, (2011, November). Developing Emotional Awareness: Recognizing and Harnessing the Power of Your Emotions. Helpguide.org. Retrieved 14:42, April 25, 2012, from
Ting, S. & Scisco, P. (2006). The Ccl Handbook of Coaching: A Guide for the Leader Coach. Jossey-Bass
Wahl, C., Scriber, C. &Bloomfield, B. (2008). On Becoming a Leadership Coach: a Holistic Approach to Coaching Excellence. MacMillan.
Wall, B.L. (2006). Coaching for Emotional Intelligence: The Secret to Developing the Star Potential in Your Employees. AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn.
Whitmore, J. (2009). Coaching for Performance: Growing Human Potential and Purpose- The Principles and Practice of Coaching and Leadership, 4th edition Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Wilson, C. (2011). Best Practice in Performance Coaching: A Handbook for Leaders, Coaches, HR Professionals and Organizations. Kogan Page Publishers.