Self-awareness is a bit like wisdom: it tends to come with age. As we grow older, we often become more in tune with ourselves, understanding our actions, motivations, and feelings on a deeper level.

The interesting thing? Many times, this self-awareness manifests itself through subtle behaviors that we may not even realize we’re displaying.

I’ve noticed a few common threads among people who have grown more self-aware over time. They often exhibit certain behaviors – eight to be exact – that reveal their deep understanding of themselves.

These aren’t grand gestures or life-altering decisions. They are simple, everyday actions that speak volumes about their emotional intelligence and self-perception.

1) They practice mindfulness

Growing older comes with its fair share of responsibilities and challenges. Often, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of life.

However, those who become more self-aware as they get older have a habit of stealing moments of quiet introspection amidst their busy lives. They have a knack for practicing mindfulness.

Mindfulness, a concept I’ve grown to appreciate in my journey with Buddhism, is all about being present in the moment. It’s about observing your thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgment.

These individuals will often take a few minutes out of their day to meditate or simply be still. They aren’t trying to escape reality but rather understand it better.

This practice of mindfulness allows them to tune into their emotions and responses. It enables them to understand why they react the way they do to certain situations and how they can improve their responses.

2) They embrace change

Life is a constant flux of change. As Heraclitus said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice.” And while change can be intimidating, those who grow more self-aware with age have a unique way of embracing it.

I’ve seen this time and again in my own life and in the lives of those around me. When faced with change, self-aware individuals don’t shy away or resist. Instead, they look at it as a learning opportunity, a chance for growth.

This attitude towards change is perfectly encapsulated by a quote from Pema Chödrön, a renowned Buddhist nun and teacher. She said, “Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.”

Those who are self-aware understand this deeply. They see change not as an obstacle but as a teacher, guiding them towards greater understanding and self-awareness.

3) They acknowledge their imperfections

One of the most profound realizations that comes with self-awareness is the understanding that we are all fundamentally flawed. No one is perfect, and that’s perfectly okay.

In Buddhism, there’s a concept known as ‘mudita’ which refers to finding joy in the happiness and success of others, even when we ourselves are flawed and struggling. It is a recognition of our shared humanity and the acceptance of our inherent imperfections.

Self-aware individuals understand this. They are not afraid to acknowledge their weaknesses, their mistakes, and their failures. They don’t hide from their imperfections; instead, they accept them as part of who they are.

This doesn’t mean they wallow in self-pity or self-doubt. Rather, they view these imperfections as areas of potential growth. They realize that it’s these very flaws and failures that make them human, make them real.

4) They listen more than they speak

There’s a lot of truth in the old saying, “We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we speak.” And this is particularly true for those who become more self-aware as they get older.

Mindfulness isn’t just about being aware of our own thoughts and feelings. It extends to being aware of our surroundings, including the people in our lives. And one of the best ways to understand others is simply by listening.

Self-aware individuals have a knack for this. They tend to be great listeners, giving their undivided attention to the person speaking. You won’t see them constantly checking their phones or looking around distractedly. Instead, they’re fully present in the moment, taking in what’s being said and showing genuine interest.

This isn’t just a sign of respect for the speaker; it’s a mindfulness practice in itself. By listening mindfully, these individuals are able to understand others better and gain insights into their own reactions and responses.

5) They let go of their ego

Ego can be a tricky thing. It can cloud our judgment, make us defensive, and often leads us astray from our true selves. But those who grow more self-aware recognize the pitfalls of an overly inflated ego and consciously work towards keeping it in check.

In my own journey, I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to do this is through the teachings of Buddhism. The practice encourages us to let go of our ego, to live with humility and kindness.

In fact, I delve into this extensively in my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”. It’s a guide to understanding how we can embrace Buddhism’s teachings to live a life of maximum impact, all while keeping our ego at bay.

Here’s the scoop: Letting go of your ego isn’t about diminishing your sense of self-worth. Rather, it’s about understanding that there’s more to life than just you. And that’s a powerful realization indeed.

6) They cultivate compassion

As people become more self-aware, they often develop a deeper sense of compassion. They realize that everyone is fighting their own battles, often unseen, and this understanding opens their hearts to the suffering of others.

They no longer rush to judgment or jump to conclusions. Instead, they approach others with kindness, empathy, and a genuine desire to help. They understand that compassion isn’t a sign of weakness, but a mark of strength and wisdom.

In the end, it’s not just about becoming a better person but about making the world a little kinder, a little more compassionate—one interaction at a time. And isn’t that a goal worth striving for?

7) They accept what they cannot change

There are things in life that are beyond our control. As much as we’d like to, we can’t change the weather, we can’t stop time, and we can’t force people to behave the way we want them to.

Those who grow more self-aware with age get savvy to this truth. They learn to distinguish between what they can change and what they must accept. And this acceptance isn’t passive resignation; it’s an active acknowledgement of reality.

And you know what? In doing so, they free themselves from unnecessary stress and anxiety. They find peace in the midst of chaos. And isn’t that a freedom worth seeking?

8) They make time for solitude

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, solitude often gets a bad rap. It’s equated with loneliness, isolation, or even antisocial behavior. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Those who become more self-aware as they grow older recognize the value of solitude. They understand that spending time alone isn’t about escaping from the world—it’s about getting to know oneself better.

Mindfulness thrives in solitude. It’s during these quiet moments that we can observe our thoughts and feelings without distraction. We can tune into our inner world and understand ourselves on a deeper level.

Counterintuitive as it may seem, these periods of solitude can actually enhance our relationships with others. By understanding ourselves better, we become more empathetic, more understanding, and more present in our interactions with others.

Know thyself, own your power

In conclusion, self-awareness is not a destination but a journey – a journey of understanding and accepting ourselves, of growing and evolving. The behaviors mentioned here are not a checklist to tick off but merely signposts to guide you on your path.

Whether you’re practicing mindfulness, embracing change, or cultivating compassion, remember that each step takes you closer to becoming a more self-aware individual.

For those interested in digging deeper into this journey, I invite you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”. It’s a comprehensive guide to embracing the teachings of Buddhism to live a life of maximum impact and minimum ego.

Remember, self-awareness is not about striving for perfection. It’s about being perfectly aware of your imperfections and growing from them. It’s about living with authenticity and grace. Here’s to your journey of self-awareness. May it be enriching and enlightening.