How do you experience self-awareness and insight?

Self-awareness is your ability to turn inward, reflect on your thoughts and beliefs, and understand your own emotional patterns. Some people develop a strong internal sense of self and can tolerate uncertainty, while others may rely more on external cues or avoid inner exploration. This exercise can help you explore how you currently relate to yourself.

There are no right or wrong answers. Just choose the option that feels most accurate for you in each group.

1. Inquiring inward and questioning beliefs

A. I feel comfortable exploring my inner world and questioning my beliefs and assumptions.
B. I sometimes find it hard to look inward or challenge my beliefs, and I prefer simple answers.
C. I avoid introspection or questioning myself, it feels threatening or overwhelming.

2. Tolerance for uncertainty and complexity

A. I can tolerate uncertainty and complexity, even when there are no clear answers.
B. I feel uneasy with uncertainty and often simplify things to feel more in control.
C. I have little tolerance for uncertainty and tend to think in all-or-nothing terms.

3. Capacity for self-discovery

A. I feel I’m capable of discovering new things about myself and enjoy doing so.
B. I have some capacity for self-discovery, but I don’t always explore deeply.
C. I don’t usually reflect on myself or connect with what’s happening inside me.

4. Dependence on others for a sense of identity

A. I have a clear sense of self that doesn’t depend much on others’ opinions.
B. I sometimes need others’ validation to know who I am or how I should act.
C. I strongly depend on how others see or treat me to feel like I exist or have value.

5. Interest in learning about yourself

A. I’m genuinely interested in deepening my understanding of myself.
B. I focus mostly on changing specific behaviors or reducing symptoms.
C. I’m not interested in learning more about myself.

What to do with your answers:

Look at which letter you chose most often: A, B, or C.

• Mostly A: You’re functioning from a place of solid self-awareness and insight. You’re curious about your inner world and willing to reflect deeply, even when things are uncertain.

• Mostly B: You’re in a middle space. You can reflect to some degree, but you may avoid going too deep or rely on external input. Building more tolerance for inner exploration could support your growth.

• Mostly C: You may have learned to avoid introspection to protect yourself. While that may have been necessary at some point, it could now be limiting your growth. Exploring your inner world gently and safely could help you reconnect with yourself.