We can usually tell you a lot about the people around us. What they like, how they behave, what makes them happy or angry. But when I ask my clients a much simpler question - “Who are you?” - around 70% or more struggle to answer.

What are your thoughts, feelings and emotional tendencies? What is the story you repeatedly tell yourself? What beliefs are quietly shaping the way you behave and the life you are creating?

In this solo episode, I explore why we often spend so much time looking out at the world and so little time looking in, and why self-awareness may be one of the most powerful tools we have for change.

I explain how our early experiences, childhood and environment can help create the foundations of our beliefs and behaviours. Some of these foundations may be uneven, but that doesn't mean they are permanent. Once you become aware of a pattern, you can question it, decide whether it still serves you, and begin to change it.

From meditation and music to journalling, mindfulness and other emerging approaches such as neurofeedback and medically supervised psychedelic therapies, there are many ways to begin changing the patterns that have shaped us.

I always try and take my own advice of course, and have completed meditation training, including during my two @drjoedispenza retreats, and am trying medically supervised psychedelics soon so watch this space for my review of that!

Importantly, the thing to remember is that you are not your thoughts. You are not your beliefs. And you are not stuck with either.

Self-awareness is vital and change comes with practice, repetition and time. It is entirely possible though, and I can help you to take the first step.

Because, sometimes, the most powerful question you can ask yourself is simply:

“Why do I think, feel and behave the way I do?”

Follow me on Instagram for more science-backed tips, techniques and advice to help you live a happier and more fulfilled midlife: @elizabeth_hammond_msc