If You’re “Too Self-Aware,” Listen to This

Have you ever felt like you knew yourself a little too well? While self-awareness is usually helpful, it can sometimes lead to overwhelm, anxiety, confusion, and self-consciousness. In this episode, Dr. Rick and I explore what we can do if we feel like we’re “too self-aware.” 

We begin by identifying some of the issues that can arise with self-awareness, differentiating it from self-consciousness, and highlighting how conflict between different parts can stop us from becoming who we want to be. We then discuss how developing ego strength can help us become more authentic and free in our behavior. Rick then guides me through a role-play exercise aimed at reducing self-consciousness and social anxiety, and addressing parts of ourselves we may not like.

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

1:40: Rick’s clinical experience of how ‘too much’ self-awareness can present

3:55: Three ways self-awareness can cause problems, and four stages of growth

8:25: Outside-in vs. inside-out change, and self-consciousness

14:20: Authenticity, feeling stuck, and internalizing judgment

18:45: Ego strength, and what helps people navigate overwhelm

29:10: What not to do, and a roleplay example with Forrest

35:00: Showing interest in others, and rumination

40:15: More roleplay with Forrest, anxiety, overanalysis, and shame

53:25: Qualities we like and can embrace about an exiled part

1:01:30: Recap

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