Three Signs of Increasing Consciousness

Rising in consciousness is not an abstract ideal. It’s something we can see in how we live. Three of the most powerful and interconnected signs of growth are:

• Calling yourself out

• Taking responsibility

• Seeing more choices

Calling Yourself Out

When you begin to catch yourself in the act of being driven by ego and consciously name it to yourself, you make it less likely to drive your behavior. At Upbuild, we like to say that it is difficult to acknowledge your ego mask and wear it at the same time.

Example: In a meeting, you notice yourself trying to impress your colleagues. You pause and acknowledge internally, "I can feel my ego wanting to take over. I want to come back to listening."

Taking Responsibility

Greater awareness reveals the impact of our ego on others. When we take ownership of this impact, without deflecting or justifying, we move back into integrity and create room for change.

Example: After a tense conversation, you say to a friend: “I was caught up in my own perspective, and that made me overlook what you were feeling. I’m sorry.”

Seeing More Choices

The ego sees only what it wants to see. It narrows our perspective, limiting what we perceive as possible. As we grow in consciousness, the blinders come off. What once looked like the only way forward becomes just one of many.

Example: Instead of reacting defensively to criticism, you pause and ask for further clarification.

Coaching application: In an upcoming session, listen for signs that your client is calling themselves out, taking responsibility, or seeing new choices. Name it when you notice it.

Life Application: Take a moment to reflect: What do I need to call myself out on? Say it out loud or write it down.

Relevant Upbuild content:

• [Podcast] “There I Go Again” (Apple / Spotify)

• [Podcast] The Ego vs. the Self (Apple / Spotify)