Back in January, Harvard Business Review published a research that suggests that when we have a high level of self-awareness, we are more confident and more creative. We make sounder decisions, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively*. It is said in this article that there are two main dimensions of self-awareness. The first, which the study calls internal self-awareness, represents how clearly we see our own values, passions, and aspirations fit with our environment, reactions (including thoughts, feelings, behaviours, strengths, and weaknesses), and impact on others. The study found that internal self-awareness is associated with higher job and relationship satisfaction, personal and social control, as well as happiness; and it is negatively related to anxiety, stress, and depression when the level is low.

 

The second category, external self-awareness, means understanding how other people view us, in terms of those same factors listed above. The mentioned research shows that people who know how others see them are more skilled at showing empathy and taking others’ perspectives. By using this we tend to have a better relationship with others, feel more satisfied with our context, and see others as more effective in general.

 

It is easy to assume that being high on one type of awareness would mean being high on the other. However, the research has found virtually no relationship between them, so those are two dimensions to work in parallel.* So first understand yourself, then understand others before you are understood. 

 

The magazine Scientific American Mind also noticed in its issue from spring 2018 that "a wealth of psychological research shows that a mental downtime is vital for productivity and health." This is directly linked to the ability to take breaks, detach and calm our minds. It was noted in the same magazine that "the power of reflection gives the insight into our own thoughts, metacognition, as key to high achievements it all domains". "Self-control is not just a puritanical virtue. It is a key psychological trait that breeds success at work and play -and in overcoming life's hardships."**

 

During our Self-Discovery Retreat, we will be working with all those dimensions. The group will be limited to only 10 participants and the retreat will be taken place over 3 consecutive days, which means that the participants are expected to remain overnight at the location.

 

The 5 core areas of work for our retreat are built around the following pillars, based on how to develop your: