How to Hack Your Self-Awareness (A Neckbeard Story)

Self-awareness is critical for emotional intelligence but who has time for that?

Strong self-awareness — how well we recognize patterns in our thoughts and actions, and self-knowledge of our strengths, weaknesses, and motivations — can only be achieved through introspection over a long period of time.

You might (reasonably) say: Sounds great. But I have to go to work and then put dinner on the table. When am I supposed to do that?

Indeed, strengthening our self-awareness in our on-demand, busy-or-dead, hustle-or-else world isn’t easy. In addition to journaling, I’ve developed a couple warning signs that tell me: Hey, you might be drifting. Take a look around. Something’s off. Fix it.

For me, the signs are stupid but accurate:

Sign #1: When I don’t shave for a very long time. Neckbeards and cheekbeards aren’t in style.

Sign #2: When I order takeout too much. When I’m planning my meals in advance, I’m usually on point in other areas of my life.

Sign #3: When I keep skipping exercise. Same as above.

I doubt my signs will work for you (but they might.) The important thing is to be just self-aware enough to identify those warning signs and just disciplined enough to take heed.