Being Aware of Your Blind Spots

Blind spots are areas we are unaware of but that affect our behavior. Seeking feedback from others helps us uncover these blind spots, allowing us to grow and make healthier choices.

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of self-reflection is becoming aware of our blind spots — those areas of our lives or behaviors that we are unaware of but that impact our actions and relationships. These blind spots can be particularly tricky because we don’t know what we don’t know.

Blind spots can emerge from biases, personal insecurities, or patterns of behavior that we have normalized over time. For instance, you might not realize that you often interrupt people when they speak, or you may be unaware of the ways you sabotage your own success. Other blind spots might include things like ingrained cultural assumptions or hidden prejudices.

To uncover these blind spots, it can be helpful to ask for feedback from trusted friends or mentors. They can offer perspectives you might not have considered and help you recognize areas where you might be unconsciously repeating negative patterns. It’s important to approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to grow rather than feeling defensive. This growth-mindset is strategic in embracing personal change!

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Stephen Hord, LMFT-Associate

Anchor of Hope Therapy 

Stephen Hord is Supervised by Julia Wesley, M.S., LMFT-S