How to Use Metacognition Skills to Become More Self-Aware

A vital skill for life

Thomas Oppong
Personal Growth
Published in
4 min readFeb 26, 2022

--

Photo: Khoa Võ/Pexels

How much do you know about your cognitive behaviours?

‘’Metacognition’’ is often defined as “thinking about thinking” or “knowing about knowing.” Or better still, the thoughts people have about their own thought processes.

It is the process of becoming self-aware, understanding one’s own thoughts, feelings, and memories.

It’s a vital life skill that applies to many aspects of our lives, from school and work to personal relationships and health.

“When the mind is thinking it is talking to itself,” says Plato.

Metacognition can be used to change behaviour by identifying a negative thought pattern, examining its origins and consequences, and choosing an alternative that will produce the desired result.

By being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and knowledge while they’re happening, you will be able to bring those thoughts under control.

Metacognition provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our thoughts and actions to improve them.

A metacognitive mind is a superpower

--

--

Thomas Oppong
Personal Growth

Making the wisdom of great thinkers instantly accessible. As seen on Forbes, Inc. and Business Insider. For my popular essays, go here: https://thomasoppong.com