The journey to self-discovery can be a winding road, full of unexpected twists and revealing insights.
And often, we can become so caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, that we lose sight of who we truly are and who we’re meant to be.
But hey, it’s Lachlan Brown here from Hack Spirit. As someone who has spent years studying mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve learned that psychology can provide some pretty interesting signposts along this journey.
So, if you’re wondering whether you’re becoming the person you were always meant to be, this article is for you.
I’ve compiled a list of 10 signs, according to psychology, that indicate you’re on the right path to becoming your true self.
Let’s dive in.
1) Awareness of self
The first pointer in figuring out if you’re becoming the person you were meant to be is the degree of self-awareness you possess.
According to psychology, a heightened sense of self-awareness is a strong indication of personal growth and evolution. It’s about understanding your own thoughts, emotions, and actions – and how they impact you and the world around you.
And guess what? This is where mindfulness comes in.
Mindfulness encourages us to stay present, to observe our thoughts without judgment. With regular mindfulness practice, you begin to understand yourself better, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and even identify your life’s purpose.
If you find yourself being more aware of your inner world, your patterns, your reactions – congratulations! It’s a sign that you’re on your way to becoming the person you were designed to be.
Self-awareness isn’t about being hard on yourself. It’s about understanding yourself better so you can make choices that align with who you truly are.
It’s the first step towards authentic living.
2) Acceptance of imperfections
Here’s something I’ve come to understand through my study of Buddhism and mindfulness: perfection is an illusion.
We all have flaws, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s human. Recognizing and accepting our imperfections is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of growth.
The legendary Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön once said, “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”
Isn’t that beautiful?
If you find yourself less preoccupied with striving for an unattainable ideal and more comfortable with your own imperfections, then you’re showing a key sign of becoming the person you were meant to be.
Embracing imperfection doesn’t mean settling for less. It means acknowledging our flaws as part of our humanity and using them as stepping stones for growth and transformation.
3) Living with impact and minimum ego
One of the most profound signs of personal growth is living a life of impact, while keeping your ego in check. This delicate balance is something I delve into in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.
In this journey, it’s essential to realize that it’s not all about you. Yes, your personal growth matters, but so does the impact you make on others and the world around you.
And this is where the concept of ‘minimum ego’ comes in. It’s about being humble, being open to learning, and understanding that we’re all interconnected.
If you find yourself living a life that’s not just about serving your needs but also making a positive difference to others, that’s a great sign of personal growth.
Living with maximum impact doesn’t mean being self-sacrificing. It’s about finding a balance between personal growth and contributing to the world in meaningful ways.
I’ve shared more insights on this delicate balance in my book. If you’re interested, do give it a read!
4) Embracing change
Life is a constant ebb and flow of change – something that can be quite unsettling for many of us. However, according to psychology, an essential sign of personal growth is your ability to embrace change rather than resist it.
As the famous saying by Greek philosopher Heraclitus goes, “The only constant in life is change.”
Change is inevitable. But the way we respond to it can make all the difference.
If you’re someone who has started to see change not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth and learning, you’re showing a crucial sign of becoming the person you were meant to be.
This doesn’t mean that you won’t have moments of fear or uncertainty in the face of change. But the willingness to navigate through these feelings and embrace the new possibilities that come with change is a clear indication of personal growth.
When you’re faced with a significant shift in your life, remember Heraclitus’ words and see it as an opportunity to grow and evolve.
5) Understanding your core values
In my own journey of self-discovery, I’ve realized that understanding my core values is critical. These values are the guiding principles that give meaning to our lives and help us make decisions that align with our true selves.
According to psychology, if you have a clear understanding of your core values and strive to live by them, it’s a strong sign that you’re becoming the person you were meant to be.
But how do we define these values?
Well, Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown has a fantastic Defining Your Values Exercise that can help you do just that.
This exercise is designed to help you identify your core values and understand how they influence your life. I’ve found it incredibly helpful in my own journey and I believe it can bring clarity to yours as well.
Understanding your core values isn’t just about listing what’s important to you. It’s about consciously acknowledging these values and letting them guide your actions, decisions, and overall life path.
6) Taking responsibility
It’s all too easy to blame others or circumstances for our problems. However, a significant sign of personal growth is the ability to take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Taking responsibility doesn’t mean accepting blame for everything that goes wrong. It’s about understanding that your decisions directly impact your life and owning up to them, whether they lead to success or failure.
If you find yourself stepping up, acknowledging your mistakes, and using them as learning opportunities, then you’re on the right path.
In practical terms, this can be as simple as apologizing when you’ve done something wrong or acknowledging how your actions might have contributed to a challenging situation.
Taking responsibility empowers you. It gives you control over your life and helps you grow into the person you were meant to be.
7) Being present
Mindfulness has been a guiding principle in my life for many years now. And one of the greatest lessons it has taught me is the power of being present.
According to psychology, if you’ve started to cultivate a habit of being present – truly living in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or fretting about the future – then you’re showing a key sign of becoming the person you were meant to be.
Being present allows us to experience life fully, to embrace every moment with open arms, whether it’s joyful or challenging. It helps us connect deeply with ourselves and others around us.
So, if you find yourself becoming more mindful and appreciating the present moment, that’s a great sign!
You can cultivate this habit by incorporating simple mindfulness practices into your daily routine – like conscious breathing, mindful eating, or even just taking a moment to observe your surroundings. Every little step counts towards your journey of becoming your true self.
8) Cultivating resilience
Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s our ability to bounce back from hardships that truly defines us. This ability, known as resilience, is a clear sign that you’re on the path to becoming the person you were meant to be.
As the famous poet Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
Resilience is about facing challenges head-on and learning from them rather than allowing them to bring you down. It’s about finding the strength within yourself to keep going, even when things seem bleak.
So, if you’re finding that you’re able to recover from setbacks and use them as stepping stones towards growth, then kudos to you!
It’s not about never falling down; it’s about always getting back up. That’s what real resilience – and personal growth – is all about.
9) Saying ‘no’
Now, this might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. Saying ‘no’ is actually a sign of personal growth.
In my own journey, I’ve realized that being able to say ‘no’ to things that don’t align with my values or serve my well-being is not just empowering, but also crucial to becoming the person I was meant to be.
This isn’t about being selfish or unkind. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing your mental and emotional health.
So, if you’re finding it easier to stand your ground and turn down things that don’t serve you or your goals, then that’s a telltale sign of personal growth.
Saying ‘no’ can sometimes be the kindest thing you can do for yourself. So don’t be afraid to use it when necessary. It’s all part of becoming your authentic self.
10) Seeking growth
The last sign is quite simple, yet incredibly powerful. Are you actively seeking growth?
If you’re consciously taking steps to better yourself, learn new things, and become a more rounded individual, then you’re undoubtedly on the path to becoming the person you were meant to be.
This could be as simple as reading a self-help book, attending a workshop, learning a new skill, or even just reflecting on your experiences and learning from them.
Remember, the journey to becoming our true selves is just that – a journey. It’s an ongoing process of learning and growth. So keep seeking, keep growing, and keep moving forward. You’re on the right path!
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming the person you were meant to be isn’t a destination, but a journey of self-discovery and growth. Each of these signs points to a step forward on this transformative path.
Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progress. And every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your true self.
As a final note, consider revisiting Jeanette Brown’s Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s a practical tool that can help you understand your core values and guide your personal growth journey.
Keep moving forward, keep growing, and remember – the journey to becoming your true self is the most rewarding journey you’ll ever undertake.
