We have, as a people, become obsessed with the development of the intellect, but we so often ignore the development of awareness. A person may be highly educated, can have doctorates in two or three subjects, and yet be unaware of how to earn money, how to build a business, or how to develop personally. The often-used crude phrase for this is “an educated idiot.” The more aware we become, the more it’s reflected in our results. A lack of awareness is also reflected in our results. As Earl Nightengale stated, “you become what you think about.” The more you look into that idea, the more profound it becomes.

We must start by understanding that there’s only one part of the universe that we can change, and that is ourselves. We can’t change the conditions or circumstances around us. We have to adapt to what’s going on and keep going, but we also have to understand that we’re bigger than the external situations that we’re facing. Do not give those things a lot of time, because they pass, and something else will come. There’s always something outside that will control us if we let it. Don’t choose to let it in. Think I’m in control of me.
-Excerpts from Bob Proctor

Awareness is the key

Self-awareness is among the most overlooked traits in all aspects of life – business and personal. Self-awareness is the pillar of self-improvement. To truly excel in school, life, and business, you must first understand your own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.

“Self-awareness gives you the capacity to learn from your mistakes as well as your successes. It enables you to keep growing.”
-Lawrence Bossidy

“If your emotional abilities aren’t in hand if you don’t have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can’t have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.”
-Daniel Goleman

“In our personal lives, if we do not develop our own self-awareness and become responsible for first creations, we empower other people and circumstances to shape our lives by default.”
-Stephen Covey

Self-awareness is a trait – or maybe ‘practice’ is the more accurate way to put it – that everyone can always improve at. It is part emotional intelligence, part perceptiveness, part critical thinking. It means knowing your strengths and what motivates you.”
-Neil Blumenthal

…and remember, wisdom tends to grow in proportion to one’s awareness of one’s ignorance.