Humans Are Hard (And How Self-Awareness Makes It Easier)

Why self-awareness is the key to navigating dynamics without losing your cool

Let’s be real—dealing with people is hard. Not because people are inherently difficult (well, sometimes), but because everyone is carrying their own patterns, insecurities, and triggers into every interaction. And guess what? So are you.

That’s why self-awareness is everything. In Everybody, Be Cool! I talk about how our internal wiring shapes how we communicate and handle conflict. Some of us bulldoze through hard conversations. Some of us avoid them altogether. Some of us silently seethe, hoping someone will magically read our minds. (Spoiler: They won’t.)

And it’s not just about conflict—it’s about communication.

Once you understand your own patterns, things get easier. You stop spiraling over that one-word Slack message (“Got it.”) and start realizing it’s not about you—it’s just how that person communicates. If you’ve read one of the GOAT books—The Four Agreements—you know that one of the rules is don’t take anything personally. This is a game-changer if you can achieve it (or levels of it at least)! You stop taking silence as rejection and start giving people the benefit of the doubt without sacrificing your boundaries.

So how do you make human interactions less painful?
🧐 Notice the patterns. What’s actually happening vs. what are you telling yourself is happening?
⏸️ Take a beat. If you feel triggered, sit with it before you react.
💭 Stay curious. People are complicated. Instead of assuming the worst, try asking yourself: What else could be true here? The more you understand yourself, the easier it becomes to meet others with compassion—and still hold your boundaries.

So… what’s one human interaction that made you stop and think, Whoa, why did that hit me so hard?

Drop a comment—I’d love to hear about it. And if you want more tools for navigating human chaos, check out Everybody, Be Cool! It’s packed with real-life stories and practical tips to help you handle human interactions without losing your cool.

Because self-awareness isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about showing up better for ourselves and those around us.