Be More Social Challenge — Day 4: Cultivate Awareness
A Morning That Sparked The Importance of Awareness and Presence
Every morning, I walk my dog, Pippy. It’s our time. No phone, no noise—just us, the path ahead, and a peaceful moment to reflect.
But one morning stood out. I realized that even though I was physically there, my mind was somewhere else, thinking about yesterday’s to-dos, planning my content, and worrying about how I’d show up online.
It hit me. I wasn’t present.
And that moment, surprisingly quiet and unremarkable on the surface, became a turning point. I began to understand what cultivating awareness really means.
What Is Awareness and Why Does It Matter To Make Every Moment Count?
Awareness, to me, is simply this: being where you are, fully.
Whether I’m talking to someone, walking with Pip, or recording my daily reflection video, I’ve learned that presence transforms everything. It makes ordinary moments meaningful. It makes conversations deeper. And it makes time stretch in the best way.
Before this challenge, I thought I was already mindful. But the truth is, I had habits, not awareness. And there’s a big difference.
When Is the Best Time to Cultivate Awareness and Presence?
Honestly? Now. Always now.
But I’ve noticed specific moments where being aware has the biggest impact on my day and energy. There are the “best times” I’ve learned to tune in:
First Thing in the Morning
Before the distractions hit, before email, before social scrolling, I ground myself, even if just for a few minutes.
During Transitions
Moving from one task to the next? I pause. I breathe. Even a 30-second reset helps me carry intentional energy into the next part of my day.
When Emotions Arise
I’ve started noticing emotional triggers. Whether it’s irritation, joy, or overwhelm, I pause and ask: Why am I feeling this? That tiny gap between feeling and reacting? That’s awareness.
When I’m With Others
This one’s big. When I’m truly listening—looking into someone’s eyes, letting their words land without mentally rehearsing my response—I feel connected. That’s when I’m most human.
When Is It Hardest to Be Aware and Present?
Let’s be real—it’s not always easy. I’ve found it most difficult to be present when:
- I’m tired or burnt out
- I’m trying to multitask (and failing at both tasks)
- I’m falling back into old patterns of distraction
Evenings, for example, aren’t my strong suit. I’m usually spent by then, so I avoid big conversations or deep-focus tasks at night.
That’s why mornings have become sacred. I align them with my natural rhythm and set the tone for the day.
The Three Levels of Awareness (And How I’ve Lived Each One)
During this journey, I stumbled upon a concept from a podcast called The Diary of a CEO. It sparked a major insight: awareness isn’t just a skill—it’s a progression.
Here are the three levels of awareness, in my own words and lived experience:
Level 1 — Unconscious Incompetence
I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I thought I was being intentional because I had routines. But I wasn’t actually there. My brain was busy, scattered, always somewhere else.
I wasn’t really listening, I wasn’t really resting, I was checking off boxes without connecting to the why behind them.
Level 2 — Conscious Incompetence
This is where the sting happens. I realized I wasn’t as present as I believed. That moment on the walk with Pippy? That was it. I saw the gap between how I wanted to live and how I was actually showing up.
And it hurt. But it also gave me power. Because once you see, you can choose.
Level 3 — Conscious Competence
Now I know what I know—and I try to live it. I consciously bring presence into my routines, I practice awareness every morning, I breathe before I speak, and I check in with myself during the day.
It’s not perfect, and I don’t expect it to be. But it’s deliberate. And that makes all the difference.
A Story That Opened My Eyes To Cultivate Awareness and Presence
There’s one moment that keeps playing in my head from this week.
I was on another walk with Pip, and I had decided to say “G’day” to everyone I passed. I wanted to be more social and present—simple as that.
But then I saw someone walking with their head down. My first instinct? Don’t say anything, they’re not interested.
But I paused and thought: Why would I take away a kind word just because of a guess?
So I said it anyway. Just a cheerful, “Good day.”
And guess what? He looked up, smiled big, and said, “I’m good, thank you.” That’s it. No deep conversation. Just a shared moment of human connection.
That is awareness. That’s presence. That’s being more social.
How I Practice Awareness Daily
I’ve built a simple rhythm into my day that helps me stay connected and grounded:
1. Morning Reflection
I post a 1-minute unedited video. It’s raw and real. I reflect on yesterday and then share my intention for today.
2. Walk with Pip
No phone. Just observing. I focus on my surroundings, my body, and Pip’s little adventures.
3. Daily Reset
I pause midday to ask: Am I still aligned with my intention? If not, I gently course-correct.
4. Evening Wind Down
I review what felt good and what I want to carry into tomorrow. This practice doesn’t just build awareness—it builds peace.
Small Practices To Try To Cultivate Awareness and Presence
You don’t need a full schedule overhaul to be more aware. Start small. Here are things I’ve found powerful:
- Morning breathing: Inhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec, exhale 8 sec
- No-scroll mornings: Give yourself 30 minutes screen-free
- Ask: Who did I connect with today?
- Look up during walks. Say hello. Smile at strangers.
- Reflect: What did I notice today that I normally wouldn’t?
Awareness and Being Present Changes Everything
When you begin noticing more—your thoughts, your surroundings, your habits—you start living differently.
I have reclaimed time I thought I didn’t have.
I’ve built connections that used to feel fleeting.
I’ve created a life that feels more intentional and fulfilling.
Because awareness isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up. Again and again.
Your Turn to Cultivate Awareness
If you’ve made it this far, I have a question for you: What’s one moment today where you can be fully present?
Don’t overthink it. Just pick one:
- Your coffee break
- A conversation
- Your walk to work
- Reading this blog
Start there. Awareness is a practice. And every moment is a new opportunity.
Final Thoughts
So when’s the best time to cultivate awareness?
Now. Always now.
Not when life slows down. Not when you feel ready. Just now. Because the only moment you ever truly have is this one.
Let’s make it count.
Call to Action
Are you in? Join me in the Be More Social Challenge by choosing just 10 minutes today to be more present, more intentional, and more aware.
Comment below with “I’m in!” and share what awareness looks like for you.
Want more inspiration? Follow along on YouTube or visit chooseyourchapter.com.au for more.
