My last post on acronyms proved really popular, so here's another! It came out of a conversation with my friend Yda Bouvier (www.bouvierltd.com) who regularly works with groups on "being your best" - all about self-awareness and self-management.
A is for Attention. You need to be able to direct your attention with a particular focus "in the moment" and also to be able to hold your attention there. Both of these are skills that are developed only by doing, hence the value of a mindfulness practice.
B is for Body. The best place on which to focus to increase awareness (and help in self-management) is the body. Our conscious / rational thinking can block out non-rational data (eg feelings, intuitions etc). Focusing on the sensory data in your body brings this non-rational data into your consciousness. Some body-based mindfulness practices can be helpful here as well.
C is for Courage: This is my favourite. In reality, what often stops us being self-aware is that a part of our brain doesn't want us to see ourselves! It takes courage to look at ourselves "warts and all". I truly believe that often, as a coach, one of my key roles is helping people find the courage to reflect using a brutally honest, rather than an ego-protecting, mirror. Again, practicing self-reflection makes it less scary - you could say it builds your courage.
Nothing very new here, but as a development practices "to do" list I love its clarity.
