National Self-Awareness Day takes place on September 28 in the United States. It is an opportunity to spread information about the philosophy of self-awareness, the conscious experience of one’s personality or individuality. Being self-aware means recognizing your consciousness or a person’s awareness of their environment, body, and lifestyle. Self-awareness also allows a person to intentionally know and understand their character, emotions, motives, and desires.
History of National Self Awareness Day
In their 1972 book, “A theory of objective self-awareness,” Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund expound on the self-awareness theory. They state that individuals who direct their attention to themselves learn how to evaluate their behaviors based on internal principles and values. This means they begin to judge or rate themselves based on their standards and beliefs, creating a state of “objective self-awareness.”
As people become self-evaluators, self-awareness allows them to intensify various emotional states. Consequently, they align their behavior with their standards because of the negative effects of not living up to those metrics. Moreover, certain environmental cues and situations, such as mirrors, audiences, or camera recordings, induce self-awareness. These cues help improve the accuracy of personal memory.
Another study demonstrates how self-awareness develops systematically after birth and is considered a significant factor in the development of general inferential processes. In addition, the philosophy of self-awareness states that a person’s belief in their ability to succeed affects how they think, act, and feel. A person with strong self-efficacy usually sees challenges as tasks that need to be accomplished and is not easily dispirited. In contrast, those with self-awareness comprehend their imperfections and abilities and use them to their advantage. This is the closest thing that human beings have to a superpower.
National Self Awareness Day timeline
Wilhelm Wundt founds the first experimental laboratory for psychology at the University of Leipzig, Germany.
Lightner Witmer establishes the world’s first psychology clinic.
John B. Watson launches the field of behaviorism after publishing “Psychology as a Behaviorist Views it.”
U.S. President Harry Truman signs the National Mental Health Act, which provides generous psychiatric education and research funding.
National Self Awareness Day FAQs
What are the benefits of self-awareness?
Self-awareness makes a person a much better leader, which is why it’s one of the most desired leadership traits. It teaches leaders critical thinking, decision-making, active listening, and empathy.
Why is self-awareness important?
Self-awareness helps you understand yourself better, allowing you to understand others better.
Why is self-awareness important to personal growth?
Being self-aware allows you to determine your strengths and weaknesses. It also teaches you how to identify what you need to improve your way of life.
How to Observe National Self Awareness Day
Learn about self-awareness
Learn more about the philosophy to better understand how it works. Self-awareness has many benefits you’ll be happy to discover.
Share the holiday
Tell your friends and family about this interesting holiday. They may even thank you for introducing them to the concept.
Meditate
One of the best ways to develop self-awareness is by listening to guided meditations. Take some time to assess yourself and your behaviors to see how you can help yourself improve.
5 Interesting Facts About Self-Awareness
It allows for a deeper understanding
Self-awareness helps you interrogate and understand yourself and your behaviors.
It digs into your beliefs
Being self-aware means looking at your beliefs and how they affect your actions.
It helps find your strengths
After evaluating yourself, you will learn your strengths and how to improve them further.
It improves your relationships
Once you understand why you think and act in specific ways, you can learn how to communicate your needs to the people in your life.
It leads to better critical thinking
Self-awareness teaches you to be objective, allowing you to think more critically.
Why National Self Awareness Day is Important
It leads to better decision-making
National Self-Awareness Day encourages everyone to take a deeper look at themselves and discover what they want in life. Learning this skill will also help improve your decision-making skills.
It makes us better listeners
Being self-aware gives you a better understanding of others’ feelings. When we can relate to people more, we can hear their needs better.
It improves self-regulation
Self-regulation is the management of your emotional intensity and frequency. Once you can look at your emotions objectively, it becomes easier to manage them.
National Self Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 28 | Saturday |
| 2025 | September 28 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 28 | Monday |
| 2027 | September 28 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | September 28 | Thursday |
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