The man in the mirror

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” —Socrates

Dear Founder,

Terrified of the consequences to the problems you’re unaware you have? 

Self-awareness is one thing we all think we have—until we realize we don’t. The more convinced we are that we’re fully self-aware, the more likely we overlook something important.

Let’s play a game. How many of the scenarios below sound familiar?

• Have you ever been certain you were right about a business decision—so sure you pushed forward without asking for input—only to realize later that you missed a critical piece of feedback that could’ve saved time or resources?

• Have you ever thought you were calm and collected in a stressful situation, only for someone to tell you later how tense or aggressive you came across?

• Have you ever believed you were great at delegating, only to hear from your team that they feel micromanaged or unsure of what you really expect from them?

• Have you ever felt confident that your company’s culture was strong and open, only to find out through an exit interview or survey that people didn’t feel comfortable speaking up?

• Have you ever been so focused on growth or the next big goal that you thought you were doing what was best for the business—only to realize later that you were burning yourself and your team out?

“If we ever reach the point where we think we thoroughly understand who we are and where we came from, we will have failed.” —Carl Sagan

The Reality of the Mirror Vs. the Delusion of Our Imagination 

We think we know ourselves, but the truth is, self-awareness isn’t a fixed state—it’s something we have to keep cultivating. Often, it’s not until the world—or someone close to us—gently (or not so gently) hands us a mirror that we see the parts we’ve missed. At that moment, we realize just how much more there is to learn.

As founders, we move fast. We juggle a hundred responsibilities, push through decisions, and try to be everything to everyone. But without self-awareness, we risk losing sight of who we are, what we stand for, and even the people who believe in us. I’ve been there. I’ve overlooked my blind spots, made decisions rooted in old patterns, and paid the price. The cost? Relationships, trust, and often, the very success I was chasing.

Self-Awareness Has a Ripple Effect

Self-awareness isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the hidden foundation of everything we do. When we truly know ourselves, we show up differently. We lead from a place of clarity and alignment, not fear or ego.

• Confidence and Humility: We’re told founders need to be confident, even invincible. But real strength comes from balancing that confidence with humility. Humility makes us approachable, keeps our teams aligned, and strengthens partnerships. It’s self-awareness that helps us walk that tightrope between boldness and openness.

• Blind Spots: These are the things others see but we don’t. Maybe it’s a habit of micromanaging or a reluctance to delegate. Without self-awareness, we stay stuck in these behaviors, limiting ourselves and our teams. Ignorance isn’t bliss in business—it’s costly.

• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Self-awareness feeds directly into emotional intelligence. As founders, we’re constantly navigating high-pressure situations, and how we react in those moments defines our leadership. Knowing how our emotions influence our behavior—especially under stress—sets us apart.

• Battling Distraction: In today’s world, self-awareness is more crucial than ever. With endless distractions and pressures, it’s easy to lose focus, to chase trends or fall into the trap of building someone else’s dream. Without a strong sense of self, we get lost.

The Tactical Side of Self-Awareness: How to Build It

Self-awareness doesn’t just happen—it’s a practice, a discipline. The good news is there are daily ways to build it, and the benefits ripple into everything we do—our businesses, teams, and personal lives.

Here are a few simple but powerful practices to cultivate self-awareness:

• Journaling: Start with five minutes a day. Write down whatever comes to mind; no filters. Over time, we see patterns—thoughts or emotions steering our decisions we hadn’t noticed before.

• Meditation: Sit in silence for 10 minutes a day. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about building the habit of checking in with ourselves. (My favorite is  Huberman’s NSDR guided meditation on YouTube.)

• Therapy or Coaching: Sometimes, we need someone else to hold up that mirror. A therapist or coach can help uncover blind spots and offer fresh perspectives on old challenges. I have both, and honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without them.

• Physical Activity: Moving our body gets us out of our heads. Whether it’s cardio, lifting weights, sports, or yoga, physical activity helps us process emotions and clear mental clutter.

• Feedback: Actively seek feedback from trusted team members, mentors, or peers. And when it comes, resist the urge to defend yourself. Just listen. Let the insights sink in, and see what resonates.

Congrats - Denial hasn’t prevented you from getting here. 

When was the last time you stopped to reflect on your actions, emotions, or decisions? What’s one area in your leadership or personal life where self-awareness could spark a shift? Please click here to share what blind spots you’ll be working on this wave.   

I’m inviting you to take one small action today—whether it’s starting a journal, meditating for five minutes, or asking someone for feedback. It doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be intentional. Self-awareness is a lifelong journey, and the changes it brings can transform everything.

Until next time, take care of yourself.

With vision, purpose, and appreciation,

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