In this blog post: What are intrapersonal skills, Why are they important, What do they involve, and 7 Tips for developing intrapersonal skills.
We often hear about the importance of interpersonal skills, or people skills—skills that have to do with communication and interacting with others. Developing our interpersonal skills can enhance our relationships, improve teamwork, and contribute to both personal and professional success.
But did you know there are also intrapersonal skills that are just as important? Intrapersonal skills, also known as self-skills or self-awareness skills, are abilities and behaviours that involve understanding and managing oneself, and they are just as crucial for success.
Why Develop Your Intrapersonal Skills?
Developing intrapersonal skills can lead to greater self-understanding, personal growth, well-being, and success. It helps us make choices that align with our personal values and aspirations, learn more quickly and effectively, manage our emotions and behaviours, persevere in the face of challenges, stay motivated without the need for encouragement and external rewards, and more!
What Do Intrapersonal Skills Involve?
SELF-AWARENESS: The ability to recognize and understand our emotions, thoughts, values, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
With all the options and opportunities out there, it can be hard to decide what we want to do. Self-awareness can help us decide what path is best for us. Self-awareness also allows us to identify what is standing in our way and make the needed adjustments to overcome it.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: The ability to effectively recognize, understand, and manage our emotions.
Emotions can often be overwhelming—especially in times of stress. Emotional intelligence helps us to navigate these difficult situations.
SELF-CONFIDENCE: Having a positive and realistic belief in our own abilities and qualities.
Life can be tough, and with all the challenges and competition out there in the world, we sometimes need a little courage to pursue our dreams. Self-confidence enables us to take on challenges, overcome obstacles, and persevere in the face of setbacks.
SELF-MOTIVATION: The ability to motivate oneself, set goals, and work towards achieving them.
In order to get to where we want to go, we sometimes have to do things that aren’t a lot of fun. It can get dull, frustrating, and tedious. Self-motivation allows us to stick with it without the need for external rewards. We can be driven by our own internal sense of purpose.
SELF-REGULATION: The capacity to manage and control one’s own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
We can’t always control what’s going on around us, but we can control how we respond to it. Self-regulation helps us control our impulses, manage stress, adapt to change, and practice self-discipline.
SELF-REFLECTION: Engaging in introspection and examining one’s thoughts, actions, and experiences.
Every experience is an opportunity to learn something. Self-reflection helps us gain insights, learn from our experiences, and make improvements the next time around.
DECISION-MAKING: The skill of making informed choices based on personal values, goals, and available information.
As we move into adulthood, we are faced with many important decisions. Effective decision-making skills help us to consider alternatives, evaluate consequences, and take responsibility for the outcomes of our decisions.
GOAL-SETTING: The ability to set clear, achievable, and meaningful goals for oneself.
We all have aspirations—things we want to achieve in life. Goal-setting provides direction and motivation, and helps us to focus our efforts and track our progress so that we can achieve those aspirations.
7 Tips For Developing Your Intrapersonal Skills:
1. Take time to self-reflect regularly. What went well today? What didn’t? How can I improve next time?
2. Reflect on what’s important to you. What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my values? What are my goals?
3. Seek feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors. Listen attentively and use their feedback to gain insight into yourself from their unique perspective.
4. Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences is a great way to self-reflect, process your feelings, and gain clarity.
5. Practice emotional regulation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and reframing negative thoughts. This will come in handy in times of stress.
6. Set meaningful goals that are clear and realistic. Be sure to monitor your progress and adjust your goals as needed. This will help provide a sense of purpose and help you work towards your aspirations.
7. Practice self discipline. Set routines and establish good habits. This may include scheduling time for reflection, learning, self-care, exercise, and so on.
Remember that developing intrapersonal skills is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself, be open to learning from your experiences, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and celebrate your progress along the way. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.
