Research and examples abound, so we’ll use just two examples. First, because self-aware people are less egotistical and more empathetic, they enjoy healthier, more meaningful relationships – a key component of happy lives. Similarly, because self-aware people are more confident and honest with themselves, they make life decisions based on their own values, goals, and interests rather than the outside world’s.

There is a growing body of research suggesting that empathy actually begins with self-awareness. Meaning that the better able we are to identify and understand our own mental state, personality, emotions, etc., the more adept we become at recognizing the same in others (aka empathy). And research suggests just that: that the more self-aware we are about our own feelings, the more aware we become to others’ as well.

By definition, self-awareness means we are more in tune with our own inner compass. Rather than predicating our decisions on the values, interests, judgments, and demands of the outside world, we march to our own drummer. Naturally, this leads to self-confidence and the decisions that come with it. People with genuine self-confidence (i.e., not dependent on externalities like role, power, money, etc.) exude a sense of peace, equanimity, and confidence that is truly rare in this world.

Self-awareness is considered the single most important leadership skill for today’s increasingly dynamic, hybrid work environment. For starters, self-aware leaders are more empathetic, humble, team-focused, inclusive, and aware of their impact on others. Why? Because they’ve done the work with themselves first. Meaning, they’re in touch with their own motives, values, habits of thought, and emotional responses. This self-awareness, in turn, leads to a willingness – even eagerness – to continually be open to critical feedback and adjust their leadership style as needed. This, in turn, makes them better decision makers, more creative, and open-minded. And the more they commit to self-awareness as a lifelong journey, the better and more popular they become as leaders.

The healthiest relationships first require healthy, independent individuals. To the degree that someone knows him or herself – wants, needs, goals, values, etc. – is the degree to which they are able to build relationships that complement and support those same values. Conversely, when people are out of touch with themselves, they’re far more likely to enter into and / or depend on relationships that are not in sync with who they are.

The self-aware make better decisions – for themselves and, when necessary, for others (aka subordinates). Precisely because self-aware types know themselves so well, they come at even the most difficult decisions with a strong sense of confidence and a trust in their own intuition.

After reading all of the aforementioned benefits, it should come as no surprise that self-aware people generally experience more professional success in life. Confident in their own values and direction, they’re able to choose roles and responsibilities based on their own wants, needs, and interests rather than those foisted on them by outside forces (e.g., parents, culture, peers, etc.).

Apropos to the previous benefit, the self-aware are more likely to receive promotions, bonuses, and accolades from colleagues, bosses, and subordinates. Confident in their strengths, aware of their challenges, empathetically attuned to others, these individuals are admired and as such first in line to be moved into positions where they can positively impact others.