How to Identify Your Blind Spots (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be real: we all have blind spots. Those invisible patterns, habits, or beliefs that quietly trip us up again and again. They’re the things others might see clearly, but we don’t. Not because we’re stubborn, but because… well, they’re blind spots.

If you’re someone who cares about growth (and if you’re reading this, you probably are), identifying your blind spots can be a game-changer. It’s how you level up, not just as a professional, but as a human being.

But here’s the challenge: how do you spot something you can’t see?

1. Watch for Emotional Overreactions

When something disproportionately frustrates, embarrasses, or upsets you, there’s usually something deeper underneath. Maybe someone gives feedback and you feel instantly defensive. Or a colleague speaks up in a meeting and you feel small.

Ask yourself:

What am I really reacting to here? Is this about the situation, or is it touching an old story I tell myself?

Emotions are signals. Overreactions are clues.

2. Pay Attention to Repeating Patterns

If the same challenge shows up in different jobs, relationships, or projects — the common denominator might be you (in a good way). These patterns often reveal a blind spot in mindset, behaviour, or boundaries.

Example:

• Always overcommitting and burning out?

• Struggling to ask for help until it’s too late?

• Constantly second-guessing decisions?

Pattern = message. Don’t beat yourself up just get curious.

3. Ask for (Brave) Feedback

This one takes guts but it’s powerful. Ask someone you trust:

“What’s something I do that might be getting in my own way?”

Most people will hesitate, but if you reassure them it’s safe and you want to grow, they might give you gold.

Pro tip: Choose people who’ve seen you under pressure, teammates, mentors, close friends. And receive their feedback with zero defensiveness. Just listen.

4. Reflect After Challenges, Not Just Wins

It’s natural to debrief after a success, but your blind spots often show themselves in your struggles.

Try this:

After a tough day, ask:

• What felt hard today, and why?

• Where did I feel out of my depth, or frustrated?

• Did I avoid something that needed attention?

Sometimes the blind spot isn’t technical, it’s emotional. Like people-pleasing, perfectionism, or fear of being wrong.

5. Use Journaling or Voice Notes as a Mirror

If you journal or talk things out in voice notes (even to yourself), patterns emerge. The same complaints, worries, or themes will surface. When you spot repetition, you’ve probably found a blind spot.

Look for:

• Repeating frustrations

• Stories you tell yourself (“I’m not good with…”)

• Excuses that show up dressed as logic

6. Check Your Shoulds

Statements like:

• “I should already know this.”

• “I should be more focused.”

• “I should have figured it out by now.”

These are red flags. They sound like motivation, but they often hide a blind spot rooted in unrealistic expectations or internalised shame.

7. Don’t Go Hunting for Flaws — Go Hunting for Truth

The point of this exercise isn’t to become hypercritical or beat yourself up. It’s to see clearly — so you can make conscious choices.

Blind spots are like foggy mirrors. Once you wipe them clean, you can finally see who you really are — and start acting from that place.

Final Thought: Awareness Is Step One — Compassion Is Step Two

Seeing a blind spot is great. But what you do after is what matters.

• Can you forgive yourself for not seeing it sooner?

• Can you adjust gently, without shame?

• Can you thank yourself for being open enough to grow?

Because growth isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest.

And the more honest you get, the less power your blind spots have.