Tuning In: Small Habits That Shape Big Awareness
Hello Igniters!
In my coaching practice, whether I’m working with leaders navigating complex decisions or individuals striving for personal growth, my clients all share a common theme. They all seek to improve a foundational trait for meaningful change - self-awareness. Ever catch yourself reacting to something and wonder, why did that get to me? That’s self-awareness. It shapes how we understand our strengths, blind spots, and the impact we have on others. Without self-awareness, it’s easy to fall into autopilot, repeating the same patterns without realizing what’s holding us back. Self-awareness isn’t a switch to be flipped—it’s a muscle to be strengthened through intentional routines.
The Insight Igniter question for April 7th, 2025
What Rituals Help You Stay Self-Aware?
Let’s explore how building rituals around curiosity, feedback, and self-care can positively shape how well we understand ourselves, how we show up in our relationships, at work and in life.
Cultivating Curiosity
In a recent coaching session, a client shared their discomfort with their tendency in rushing work and decisions when under pressure. As the coaching session progressed there was a sudden pause – the client let out something between a laugh and a sigh “I recognize the need to slow down; but now I’m beginning to question why I resist it.” They later confessed they equated slowing down with falling behind and did not fully realize how much energy they were wasting by constantly being ‘on’. The session ended with the client developing a ritual they would use when they felt they were moving too fast. Stopping what they were doing they would take a pause and ask themselves 3 questions:
What am I rushing towards?
What would become clearer if I gave myself permission to slow down?
Is my pace serving my purpose?
When we get curious about how we feel in situations, we can replace frantic with intention, ultimately allowing us to gracefully move towards what truly matters.
Feedback
While internal reflection is crucial, it is incomplete without external perspectives. This process can be challenging, but it can also highlight blind spots. There are moments when I question my own value—whether I made the right decision, whether my words landed the way I intended, or whether I’m really showing up as the coach, or friend I want to be. Asking questions like “What do you need from me right now?” or “What would you change about our work?” or “What do you feel after our session?” gives me valuable insights into how I can better support my clients. A leader could leverage tools such as 360-degree feedback assessments and structured debriefs after key meetings can refine self-perception. Feedback allows us to create actions to improve relationships and interactions when moments of self-doubt creep in.
Self-first
It becomes increasingly more difficult to be self-aware when you are on empty. When you don’t put yourself first you potentially limit your effectiveness as a leader and overall enjoyment of life. Self-care isn’t about spa-days or vacations, it’s about the small daily habits that help us check in with ourselves. I look forward to a quick bucket at the range for my fellow golfers, a coffee without your phone or the 8-minute nap made famous by the Navy Seals. This week I challenge you to share what insights you gain when you step away from your desk and engage in movement and allow your mind to declutter?
When you reflect on the question “What Rituals Help You Stay Self-Aware?” you prioritize self-awareness through curiosity, feedback and self-care. As you build your structured routine around self-awareness you will become better equipped to navigate challenges, foster strong relationships, and drive meaningful results. Until next time – Stay ignited!
Best,
Coach Stef, CEC