Investing in Yourself with Inner Awareness

The unforeseen global pandemic has shifted the way of life for many households and businesses, forcing us to adopt what is popularly called "the new normal." We see more and more on the news that people, in general, have not been handling this crisis well. The first week or two was chaos but it seems, over a year later, we are still feeling its effects in everything around us.

While some claim the abrupt shift in daily life has left them relatively unscathed, many have taken to various social platforms voicing their struggle to adapt, claiming damaging emotional, spiritual, and even physical effects. Many have demanded the prompt return to life, as they previously knew it. Even with the rollout and quick adoption of vaccines in some countries, unfortunately, as the situation continues, that option is becoming more and more unlikely for the foreseeable future globally.

It is time to equip ourselves for the long haul and focus on what we can do to help better manage our families, our lives, and ourselves. As Maya Angelou once said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” When it comes to changing attitudes, the number one thing I thought of was Inner Awareness.

Developing Inner Awareness

With no simple book of answers to reference, we feel forced to look inward to find the answers to our most vulnerable questions about life. People are beginning to ask themselves a series of questions that are relatively philosophical in nature, and evoke many troublesome thoughts and feelings. We are all questioning what is happening, not just from an economic or political point of view, but regarding the greater issue we are all facing. What’s happening in the world today? Is this life as we know it forever changed? How do we prepare for this "new normal?"

The PeopleKeys® Behavioral Attitudes Index (BAI) assessment looks at Inner Awareness as one of the six underlying passions of people. These hidden motivators give insight into the things that ignite passion and bring them a sense of fulfillment, demonstrated through positive behaviors and attitudes. Conversely, it can highlight or explain the reasoning behind negative emotions or behaviors in response to specific life circumstances. It is a starting point for self-awareness and self-improvement.

Watch this video to learn more about the PeopleKeys Behavioral Attitudes Index.

Benefits of Inner Awareness

The benefits of developing greater Inner Awareness extend beyond the home and into the workplace. As a leader or manager, you have to dig deep and find that inner awareness and be introspective. For example, this includes a combination of things for me and my wife. First, we have a deep-rooted faith, and we rely on that faith. Second, we try to put into perspective things that are most important to us, such as our young son and our family. It is these types of things that matter and you need to have an awareness of beyond just what is happening in the news. Understanding your internal motivators helps your support system, and significantly enhances your ability to confidently operate and thrive in times of chaos and uncertainty. Some refer to this level of awareness as their "reason for living."

Additionally, helping others develop a sense of connectedness with the things they personally value can bring them a sense of security. It can spiritually or emotionally ground them during times when they may feel out of control. It will help them better understand their emotional responses and behaviors following significant, life-changing events and increase their ability to effectively transition between their personal and professional environments.

When we live and lead from a place of greater inner awareness, we can establish a shared sense of calm and safety among the team, as well as within our own families and social circles. We cannot change what is happening in the world around us, but we can control how we respond to it by investing in learning more about ourselves. Personal investment is one of the most important investments we can make in our lifetime. Take the Behavioral Attitudes Index today to learn more about your underlying passions and motivations toward greater self-awareness.