We all have a purpose, a unique path carved out just for us. But are we walking on that path? Are we becoming who we were meant to be? These questions can sometimes keep us up at night.
As Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, I’ve spent years delving into human psychology.
And guess what? Psychology has some pretty interesting insights on indicators that you’re evolving into your destiny.
In this article, I’ll be sharing 10 signs that you’re becoming the person you were destined to be, as backed by psychology. These signs are like breadcrumbs, leading you to your true self.
Let’s get started.
1. You’re living more in the present
We often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of life, hustling between past regrets and future worries. But as you start to evolve into your true self, you will notice a significant shift in your perspective.
Psychology suggests that those on the path to their destiny start living more in the present moment. They embrace mindfulness, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism, and I’ve always found this to be a cornerstone of personal growth.
Mindfulness means being fully engaged in the current moment, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. It might sound simple, but it’s a powerful practice that can transform your life.
You may find that you’re less concerned about what happened yesterday or what’s going to happen tomorrow. You’re not rushing through life anymore. Instead, you’re starting to savour each moment, finding joy in the journey rather than just the destination.
If you’re beginning to live more in the ‘now’, it’s a strong sign that you’re evolving into the person you were destined to be. And remember, this doesn’t mean ignoring the past or future. It’s about finding balance and focusing on what truly matters – the present moment.
2. You’re becoming more compassionate
One of the most rewarding signs that you’re on your destined path is an increase in compassion towards yourself and others.
As someone who has studied Buddhism and mindfulness extensively, I can tell you that compassion is at the very heart of these practices. And it’s not just about feeling sorry for others; it’s about truly understanding their feelings and experiences.
According to psychology, as we grow and evolve, our ability to empathize with others and show them kindness also increases. This growth in compassion is often an indication that you’re becoming the person you were destined to be.
And this isn’t just about being kind to others. It’s also about being kind to yourself. We often tend to be our own harshest critics. But as you evolve, you will notice a shift towards self-compassion.
Remember the words of the renowned Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh: “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”
If you notice yourself becoming more compassionate, both towards yourself and others, take it as a sign that you’re on the right path.
3. You’re becoming less attached to your ego
As we journey towards becoming the person we’re destined to be, one key shift that takes place is in our relationship with our ego. The ego, with its constant need for validation and control, often stands in the way of our true self.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I discuss how Buddhism teaches us to let go of this attachment towards our ego. It’s a journey from self-centredness to self-awareness.
Psychology also supports this idea. As we grow and evolve, we tend to become less self-absorbed and more open to the world around us. We begin to realize that there’s more to life than just our own desires and ambitions.
So if you find yourself becoming less attached to your ego, it’s a strong sign that you’re on the path towards becoming your true self. It’s about being less ‘me’ focused and more ‘we’ focused.
Letting go of your ego doesn’t mean losing your self-esteem or confidence. It’s about embracing humility and understanding that we are part of a much larger universe.
If you’re interested in learning more about this, I highly recommend checking out my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”. It’s filled with insights on how to live a fulfilling life while keeping your ego in check.
4. You’re embracing change
Change is an inherent part of life. Yet, we often resist it due to fear of the unknown. But as you evolve into the person you’re destined to be, you start to view change differently.
Instead of fearing change, you start to embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning. You understand that change is not just inevitable, but necessary for personal development.
This shift in perspective is a strong indication that you’re on the path towards your true self. It shows that you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and explore new possibilities.
The renowned mindfulness expert, Jon Kabat-Zinn, once said: “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” This perfectly encapsulates the essence of embracing change.
If you find yourself welcoming change and seeing it as an opportunity rather than a threat, take it as a sign that you’re on the right path.
Embracing change doesn’t mean being reckless. It’s about making thoughtful decisions while being open to new possibilities. Keep surfing those waves of life and see where they take you.
5. You’re understanding your core values
One of the most profound shifts that occur when you’re on the path to becoming your true self is understanding your core values.
As the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness practitioner, I’ve come to realize that knowing your values isn’t just about personal growth. It’s the foundation of living a fulfilling life.
Your core values are the guiding principles that dictate your behavior and action. They help you understand what truly matters to you, what you stand for, and what you won’t compromise on.
Psychology suggests that as we evolve, we become more in tune with our core values. We start living in alignment with them and making decisions based on these values.
If you find yourself gaining a clear understanding of your core values, it’s a sign that you’re on the path towards becoming the person you were destined to be.
Now, understanding your core values isn’t always an easy task. It requires deep introspection and honesty with yourself. But don’t worry, there are resources available to help you through this journey.
One method I highly recommend is an exercise designed by Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown. Her Defining Your Values Exercise is a great tool to help you uncover your core values and start living in alignment with them.
Go ahead, dive deep into understanding your core values. It’s one of the key steps towards becoming your true self.
6. You’re setting healthy boundaries
Setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy relationships and preserving your mental health. It’s about knowing and communicating your limits to others, an important part of the process to become who you’re destined to be.
Psychology points out that as we grow and evolve, we become better at establishing and maintaining these boundaries. We start understanding that it’s okay to say ‘no’ when we need to, and it’s crucial to protect our mental and emotional space.
If you find yourself setting healthier boundaries in your relationships and respecting those set by others, it’s a significant sign that you’re on the right path.
And remember, setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away. It’s about letting them know what is acceptable behavior towards you. It’s about taking care of yourself, so you can be the best version of yourself for others too.
Don’t be afraid to establish those healthy boundaries. It’s a vital step in becoming the person you were destined to be.
7. You’re practicing mindful self-care
Self-care is more than just a trendy buzzword. It’s a fundamental practice that’s crucial for our overall well-being. And when you’re on the journey towards becoming your true self, self-care takes on a more mindful form.
As a mindfulness practitioner, I’ve always believed in the power of mindful self-care. It’s not about indulging in lavish spa days (although those are nice too!). It’s about taking care of your mind, body, and spirit on a daily basis.
Mindful self-care might look like meditating for a few minutes each day, eating nourishing food, getting enough sleep, or simply taking a few moments to breathe and be present.
Psychology suggests that as we evolve into our true selves, we become more attuned to our needs and are better at taking care of them. We start to prioritize our well-being instead of constantly putting others’ needs before our own.
If you find yourself practicing mindful self-care more often, it’s a strong sign that you’re on your path towards becoming the person you were destined to be.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. And it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself on this journey.
8. You’re pursuing your passions
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you,” said Oprah Winfrey, and she couldn’t be more right.
One of the key signs that you’re becoming the person you were destined to be is the pursuit of your passions. When you start aligning your life with what truly motivates and excites you, it’s a clear indication that you’re on your path.
Psychology shows that as we evolve, we become more in tune with our passions and interests. We stop doing things just because they’re expected of us and start pursuing what sets our soul on fire.
This doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your job and following a career in painting (although if that’s your passion, why not?). It could be as simple as dedicating an hour a day to a hobby you love, or spending time learning about a topic that fascinates you.
After all, life is too short to not do what makes you happy.
9. You’re comfortable with being uncomfortable
Here’s a bit of a counterintuitive one: becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.
It might sound odd, but hear me out. As we journey towards becoming our true selves, we often find ourselves in unfamiliar territories. We face challenges and situations that push us out of our comfort zones.
And that’s where the magic happens.
As a mindfulness practitioner, I’ve learned that growth often comes from discomfort. It’s in these moments of uncertainty and challenge that we truly discover our strengths and capabilities.
Psychology supports this too. It suggests that as we evolve, we become more adaptable to change and better at dealing with discomfort. We start viewing these uncomfortable situations as opportunities for growth rather than threats.
It’s okay to feel uncomfortable. It’s a sign that you’re growing, evolving, and becoming the person you were destined to be.
10. You’re taking responsibility for your life
The final sign that you’re becoming the person you were destined to be is taking responsibility for your life.
When we take full responsibility for our actions, decisions, and their outcomes, we take control of our lives. Instead of blaming others or circumstances, we acknowledge our role in shaping our life.
Psychology highlights that as we evolve into our true selves, we become more accountable. We understand that our life is a result of our actions and choices.
If you find yourself taking more responsibility for your life, it’s a clear indication that you’re on the right path. You’re not just going with the flow anymore; you’re actively shaping your destiny.
Taking responsibility doesn’t mean being too hard on yourself. It’s about understanding that you have the power to change things in your life. It’s about learning from your mistakes and making better choices moving forward.
Go ahead and take charge of your life. It’s one of the most empowering steps you can take towards becoming the person you were destined to be.
Conclusion
Becoming the person you were destined to be is a beautiful journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s about understanding yourself, your values, and your passions. It’s about embracing change and taking responsibility for your life.
These signs are not a checklist but guideposts to help you on your journey. And while this journey can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding.
One tool that can assist you on this journey is the Defining Your Values Exercise by Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown. It’s a practical exercise that helps you identify your core values and align your life with them.
In the end, remember that becoming who you were destined to be isn’t a destination, but a journey. So take it one step at a time, embrace the process, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
After all, as the old saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
