Self-awareness isn’t something we’re born with, but it’s an essential trait that many of us need to work on. It involves understanding your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and drives.

There’s a good chance you might be more self-aware than you think. In fact, if you resonate with these following signs, you might just be more self-aware than 98% of people out there.

Having this trait isn’t just about recognizing your habits or preferences. It’s about understanding why you do what you do and how it impacts those around you.

Keep reading to find out if you’re one of those highly self-aware individuals. Here are the 9 signs that signify a high level of self-awareness. Let’s see how many you recognize.

1) You’re in tune with your emotions

Self-awareness often starts with understanding your own emotions. It’s more than just being able to label the way you’re feeling at any given moment.

It’s about recognizing the triggers that lead to certain emotions and understanding how these emotions can affect your thoughts and actions.

Consider it like being your own emotional detective, always on the case, observing and making connections between your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

If you find yourself frequently digging deeper into why you’re feeling a certain way, rather than just accepting it at face value, this is a strong sign of high self-awareness.

Most people may overlook their emotions or misinterpret them. But those with high self-awareness understand that their emotions are key indicators of their internal state and can use this understanding to better navigate their lives.

2) You’re not afraid of feedback

A lot of people struggle with criticism. I know I did. It’s never fun to have your flaws pointed out or to be told you’re not doing something as well as you could be. But over the years, I’ve realized that feedback isn’t something to fear.

A few years back, I was leading a project at work and thought everything was going perfectly. Until, during a team meeting, a colleague pointed out a few areas where our project could improve. I remember feeling defensive and surprised as I believed we were on the right track.

Instead of dismissing her comments, I took a step back and tried to view the situation from her perspective. And guess what? She was right. There were things we could do better. From that day forward, I made it a point to actively seek feedback, even if it wasn’t always flattering.

Today, I consider feedback as a valuable tool for growth. When you are open to hearing other people’s perspectives on your behavior and actions, it shows a high level of self-awareness.

3) You know your strengths and weaknesses

A common interview question is “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” While it may seem cliché, it’s an important question that can reveal a lot about a person’s level of self-awareness.

People with high self-awareness have a clear understanding of their abilities and areas of improvement. They not only recognize their strengths but also acknowledge their weaknesses.

Interestingly, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that leaders who have an accurate self-view and are aware of their strengths and weaknesses are seen as more effective by their subordinates and peers.

Understanding your strengths allows you to play to them, and being aware of your weaknesses helps you work on them or seek help when necessary. This balance is a clear indicator of self-awareness.

So next time you’re asked about your strengths and weaknesses, take it as an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness, not just a tricky interview question.

4) You’re adaptable to change

Life is a constant roller coaster of changes and unpredictability. And if there’s one thing self-aware people excel at, it’s adapting to these changes.

Instead of resisting change or feeling overwhelmed by it, those with high self-awareness are able to navigate the shifting tides of life with a certain level of ease and understanding.

They recognize that change is a natural part of life and that their reactions and adaptability to these changes say more about them than the changes themselves.

Being adaptable doesn’t mean blindly accepting everything that comes your way. It means understanding how you react to different situations, why you react that way, and then making conscious decisions that serve your best interests.

5) You’re aware of your values and beliefs

What do you stand for? What are the non-negotiables in your life? People with high self-awareness have clear answers to these questions.

Your values and beliefs aren’t just abstract concepts. They are the guiding principles that shape your decisions, actions, and overall behavior. They are the compass that gives direction to your life.

Self-aware individuals recognize these inner guidelines and consciously align their actions with them. They don’t just go with the flow of societal norms or expectations. Instead, they stand firm on their beliefs, even when faced with opposition.

6) You practice self-compassion

Self-awareness isn’t just about understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers. It’s also about being kind to yourself, especially when things don’t go as planned.

Life can be tough. We all make mistakes, face challenges, and have moments of doubt. But those with high self-awareness approach these situations with self-compassion.

Instead of beating themselves up over a mistake or a failure, they treat themselves with kindness and understanding. They recognize that everyone is human, that everyone has off days or off moments. They give themselves the grace to be imperfect.

This kind of self-compassion isn’t about making excuses for poor behavior or shying away from personal growth. It’s about acknowledging that we’re all works in progress and that it’s okay to stumble on the path to becoming better versions of ourselves.

7) You’re comfortable with saying “No”

In the past, I used to struggle with saying “No”. Whether it was taking on more work than I could handle or agreeing to social events I had no interest in, I often found myself stretched too thin.

Over time, I realized that this wasn’t about pleasing others but more about not understanding my own boundaries. I wasn’t clear on what I wanted or needed, which made it easy for others to overstep.

Once I became more self-aware, I understood the value of my time and energy. I started setting healthy boundaries and became comfortable with saying “No” when necessary.

Being able to say “No” isn’t about being difficult or uncooperative. It’s about knowing your limits, respecting your own needs, and not being afraid to assert them.

If you’re someone who can comfortably say “No” when something isn’t in line with your needs or values, take it as a sign of high self-awareness.

8) You’re a good listener

Listening is a skill that many of us could improve on. And for those high in self-awareness, it’s a skill they’ve often mastered.

Being a good listener isn’t just about being quiet when someone else is speaking. It’s about being present, understanding the other person’s point of view, and responding in a thoughtful way.

It’s also about being able to listen to your own thoughts and emotions. People who are self-aware are attuned not only to what’s happening around them but also what’s happening within them.

9) You’re committed to personal growth

At the heart of self-awareness is a commitment to personal growth. Those who are self-aware understand that they’re a work in progress and that there’s always room for improvement.

They’re not afraid to confront their flaws, work on their weaknesses, or learn new things. They continually strive to understand themselves better and to become the best version of themselves.