In over a decade of observation, I have seen first-hand that career advances, life changes, growth, and societal standards, require us to step out of our comfort zone.
When we are unsure how to be ourselves or exercise our freedom in a given space, we tend to retreat to behaviours that let us fit in. This instinctive survival tactic urges us to move further and further away from our true essence. Building on what works at that moment and putting on whatever cape we need—whether it is the right fit for us or not. This is something that most of us are good at. It is easy to slide into and get fixated on these roles. Life, in general, has conditioned us to—in a sense—become our responsibilities, statuses, and titles. This activates a cycle of getting attached to the things we feel are responsible for driving us and giving us purpose every day. We then believe that this is how our future needs to be. The truth is, this fixation leads us to lose a sense of our true selves.
“Life, in general, has conditioned us to—in a sense—become our responsibilities, statuses, and titles.”
I believe that our true self is who when we are free from the attachments to careers, roles, and fears. We are not what we do or what we are afraid to do. We are instead the sum of our values, beliefs, and principles. Imagine how different our lives could be if we strengthened our attachments to what we enjoy and what truly matters to us? Undoubtedly, this is bound to give us a more genuine view of problem-solving, facing fears, and understanding the true strength of our abilities.
The best way to establish your true self, free from your work and other responsibilities, is to ask yourself this question: what does your ideal day look like, from start to end?
Imagine how different our lives could be if we strengthened our attachments to what we enjoy and what truly matters to us?
Think about starting your day with you, simply being you. Raw, unrefined, unique, and the source of your own happiness. That alone has enough power to help you self-reflect and connect with your inner authenticity. By doing so, you are giving yourself permission to be you. Start identifying all of your incredible qualities. Make a list and visualise how they can begin breathing new life into every aspect of your life. Consider small changes you can make in areas like your work environment. Then look at your living space. Then your thoughts, but most importantly, your relationships.
Why is this so important? You will be able to stand out on your own, outside the expectations and norms of society and do things that bring you joy and happiness. That means you are being as true to your true self as possible. Aligning your thoughts, words, and actions. Think about it: You thrive when you are aligned and being authentic. It is the essence of our legitimacy and an integral part of our well-being. It helps inject a sense of wholeness when you align your actions and your core values and principles. And that, my friends, can lead to functioning far more in sync with your true, authentic self.