Think You Know Yourself? Let's find out.

I spent the past few days working with two college students who are preparing for an intensive, week-long interview process at the end of this month. This process, among other things, requires a high level of self-awareness.

These students are living out what John C. Maxwell meant when he said, “You have to know yourself to grow yourself.” Social science backs up Maxwell’s idea, offering a long list of benefits tied to increased self-awareness: higher self-esteem, better decision-making, stronger relationships, and reduced bias, to name a few.

It’s important to note that these benefits only become real when someone truly knows who they are and can communicate that clearly in every area of life. That journey starts by taking time to understand yourself.

To begin that process with these students, I created a self-awareness pop quiz. While they were taking it, I glanced over at my friend Mitch, who was also helping coach them, and noticed he had started taking the quiz himself. After a few minutes, he raised his eyebrows and said, “Huh, I like this,” surprised by what he had discovered about himself.

Seeing that moment play out made me realize this little quiz might be helpful for you, too.

You can take it all at once or a little at a time. You might answer each question with two words or two pages—it’s totally up to you. Just keep these things in mind:

1. It’s a tool, not a test.

There are no “right” or “wrong” answers, and you won’t get a score at the end.

2. Be honest.

Writing what you wish were true won’t make it true. Real growth starts with real honesty.

3. Apply what you learn.

Awareness without action doesn’t change much. The three questions at the end of the quiz are there to help you take what you discover and actually use it.

You can access the Self-Awareness Pop Quiz [here]. I hope it gives you a few “Huh, I like this” moments of your own.

Fact

82% of people that need it most, won't take the self-awareness pop quiz.

Action

Ask a trusted friend or mentor to describe you in three words. Compare their words to how you’d describe yourself.

Question

Where is there a gap between how you see yourself and how others experience you?

Quote

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde