These 8 character traits show you’re a self-aware person

In a world bustling with constant distractions and fast-paced living, it is all too easy to lose sight of ourselves amidst the chaos. 

Yet, buried within each of us lies a remarkable ability—an ability that holds the potential to transform our lives and foster a deeper connection with the world around us. This power is self-awareness. 

While often overlooked or underestimated, self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal growth and the key to authentic living. 

If you’re wondering if you’re a self-aware person, you’re in luck. In this article, I’ll share eight character traits that show you are. Let’s dive in! 

1) Open-mindedness

Have you ever met someone who’s perpetually stuck in their own perspective? It’s hard to have a meaningful conversation with them, isn’t it? 

Self-aware people, on the other hand, embrace open-mindedness. They’re willing to consider different perspectives and aren’t afraid to question their own beliefs and assumptions. 

They also demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow. They see every interaction as a chance to understand something new about themselves or the world around them.

I often find myself intrigued by opinions that contradict my own, and I’ve found this curiosity to be a powerful tool for increasing self-awareness.

So, the next time you find yourself in a disagreement, check your openness to listening to the other person. That should give you a clue as to how self-aware you are.

2) Reflection

You’re in a  serene and picturesque garden, gracefully seated on a comfortable meditation cushion, poised to embark on a profound journey of self-reflection. 

With your journal by your side and a cup of warm tea in hand, you begin to delve deep into the vast expanse of your thoughts and emotions, peeling back the layers of the inner universe.

That sounds like a picture of bliss, doesn’t it?

It’s something self-aware people find so familiar. The setting might not be exactly the same, but they do the same thing – reflect.

For the self-aware, reflection is not just a fleeting exercise; it’s a way of life—a conscious exploration of one’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences that leads to self-discovery and personal growth.

Because if you aren’t even aware of the patterns and habits that shape your life, how will you know what needs to change? 

3) Emotional intelligence

This is another trait that shows you’re a self-aware person, and it’s a direct result of the time you take reflecting. 

What exactly does emotional intelligence mean? This: recognizing and understanding your emotions and those of others. 

For example, when I find myself feeling frustrated after a meeting, instead of lashing out or blaming others, I ask myself, “Why did that conversation bother me?” 

It’s about digging deep and understanding what triggers certain emotional responses.

And it’s not limited to just knowing and understanding. Self-aware folks also manage these messy emotions effectively. 

It’s not about suppression, but channeling emotions appropriately. They can feel anger without lashing out, or anxiety without spiraling into worry. 

The bottom line? They can deal with life’s stresses more gracefully. 

4) Resilience

Remember the last time you faced a setback? How did you deal with it? 

Did you wallow in self-pity and despair? Or did you take an incisive look at what happened, looking for lessons to learn and apply going forward? 

See, it’s how you bounce back from that moment that highlights your self-awareness. 

Self-aware people tend to be resilient because they understand that failure is a part of life, not the end of it.  

This resilience comes from an understanding of their intrinsic worth. They know their value is not tied to their success or failure. They see each setback as a stepping stone towards growth. 

The key is to remind yourself, “I’m more than this momentary setback,” and trust in your ability to rise above the challenge.

5) Humility

Humility is something that’s closely tied to resilience. As I mentioned earlier, bouncing back calls for the ability to look at your mistakes and admit what went wrong. 

You can’t do that without a humble spirit. 

Self-aware people take that to heart – not only do they own up to their mistakes, but they also know they don’t have all the answers. 

They’re comfortable in the knowledge that they’re always evolving, learning, and improving. This recognition creates space for growth and continuous self-improvement.

6) Empathy

Another thing self-aware individuals have is a heightened sense of empathy. They can put themselves in others’ shoes and understand their feelings and perspectives. 

As I’ve grown in self-awareness, I’ve noticed my capacity for empathy has expanded. When a friend is going through a tough time, I can relate to their feelings, even if I haven’t experienced their particular situation.

Empathy and self-awareness feed into each other. The more self-aware you are, the more you understand your emotions and reactions, making it easier to connect with others on a deeper level. 

7) Assertiveness 

Just as they are empathetic towards others, self-aware people show the same kindness to themselves, too. By being aware of what they need and expressing them.

I’ve realized, in my own interactions, that being assertive doesn’t mean being aggressive or demanding. Instead, it’s about articulating your needs and standing up for yourself in a respectful and confident manner.

You see, assertiveness is grounded in self-respect and respect for others. Self-aware individuals realize that their needs and feelings are just as important as those of others. 

They strive for balance and mutual respect in their relationships, creating a healthy environment for communication and understanding.

8) Authenticity

Finally, we get to one of the most telling signs that a person is self-aware – they’re living a life that’s true to their values. 

You see, self-awareness has the beautiful effect of knowing who you are. That means you know when you’re feeling pressured into the boxes society has drawn for you, or when you’re going along with the crowd. 

All of that will ring falsely in your very soul, and you’ll feel a strong sense of dissatisfaction. 

And if you listen to that voice in your head telling you you’re on the wrong path, you’ll quickly find your bearings and get back to being your authentic self. 

Final thoughts

Despite what some might think, self-awareness doesn’t equate to self-absorption. Don’t mistake it for endless navel-gazing and self-criticism. 

Being self-aware is more than just self-consciousness. It’s about understanding our emotions, our personal strengths and weaknesses, and how we respond to different situations. Essentially, it’s about having a clear perception of your personality.