Self-awareness for Learning Physiotherapists
Self-awareness is a buzzword today. We hear it constantly in different industries and even within The Learning Physiotherapist community - and for good reason. Self-awareness is a cornerstone for emotional intelligence and leadership capabilities.
There are two categories of self-awareness that should be known: internal self-awareness and external self-awareness. Internal self-awareness represents how we see our own values, passions, aspirations, fit with our environment, reactions (including thoughts, feelings, behaviours, strengths, and weaknesses), and impact on others. External self-awareness relates to understanding how other people view us…in terms of those same factors listed above. People who know how others see them are more skilled at showing empathy - and taking others’ perspectives, putting yourself in their shoes as you would say.
Topics that we focus on in The Learning Physiotherapist masterclasses - like being a better communicator in the workplace, better decision making, enhancing job-related wellbeing, self-confidence – they all start with developing better self- awareness. It is a critical tool for every learning physiotherapist. It allows you to see things from the perspective of others… practice self-control, work creatively and productively, and experience pride in yourself and your work.
Self-awareness is a skill; therefore, it is trainable. Good news here! And like any other skill it can be developed through deliberate practice and consistent, repeated effort.
Here are 3 tips to develop self-awareness for learning physiotherapists:
- REFLECT
Contrary to popular belief studies have shown that people do not always learn from their experiences. Unfortunately, experiences are not always our best teachers. What helps you to get better, learn and be more self-aware is evaluating and reflecting on your experiences. The next time you attend a course, have a meeting with your boss…or perhaps after an argument with your partner - set aside some time. Think and reflect.
Ask yourself questions such as –
‘What did I learn?’
‘What did I love about it?’
‘What did I not like about this experience?’
This practice will help you know yourself better…on a deeper and more profound level.
This is a practice for your future self, the best version of yourself.
- FEEDBACK
We all have emotional blind spots, or harmful behaviours that unintentionally hurt the people around us. Being open to unflattering feedback helps us grow into better versions of ourselves. Do not be shy to ask your friend or colleague to give you an informal but honest view.
Let them know when you are seeking candid, critical and objective perspectives. You can even ask yourself: have multiple people given me similar criticism? What could they be noticing in me that I cannot see?
When it comes to the work environment, see if you can use more formal tools, such as a 360-degree feedback process. This will provide feedback across multiple areas of competencies and work styles.
- DECISION MAKING
Before acting on a decision, we should come up with good reasons as to why we should pursue it. Stopping to ask yourself ‘why’ improves self-awareness. It allows you to better understand the motives behind your decisions and explore them further, meaning that we can be confident that the decisions we make are the right ones. Avoid the temptation to make choices that are familiar but no longer serve you. Be tough on yourself. Ask yourself ‘is this really what I want, or is it just what I know’?
By Aiste Vertulyte
Growth Coach
#LearnAndGiveBack