Definition: Paraphrasing Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Awareness implies vigilance in observing some thing or experience and alertness in drawing inferences from what one observes.
Awareness in a personal development sense is a consciousness of who you are being and the impact that you are having on others. Heighten your awareness by imagining a small creature on your shoulder who watches over what you think and what you do and whispers what he observes in your ear.
Example:Jeremy was shocked when he became aware that his whining and complaining were causing his friends to avoid him.
Related Articles:
Personal Development Toolkit - Awareness
Admitting and Owning Your Problems
James Prochaska's Change for Good
Reflection on Your Life Purpose