It's natural to want to live a life that reflects how unique you are.It's hard to be happy unless we're living an authentic lifestyle.Getting to know your inner self is the first step in your journey.You can explore your interests, strengths, and values to create goals that will lead to a more authentic way of life.It takes time for change to happen.It is a long journey to find and follow your own path.
Step 1: Do you like the way you spend your time?
Do you spend your time doing what your family and friends want you to do?Do you pursue your hobbies all the time?Do you know what the most fascinating things are in this world?You should be brutally honest with yourself.If you have a day where you don't have to work, do you find yourself automatically watching whatever is on the internet?Do you have any hobbies you haven't done in a while?Do you want to learn anything new?If you used to draw every day but haven't picked up your sketchpad in a while, consider doing something else.If your bike has been collecting dust in the garage, then you should go for a ride.If you're going to spend Saturday gardening and a friend invites you to go shopping, do you drop your plans and go with your friend every time?Spending your time the way you want to is okay when you say no.
Step 2: Try to see how your beliefs hold up.
As children, everyone is introduced to beliefs and values.As you get older and become your own person, it's important to ask yourself if those beliefs and values really fit with you.You do not have to live your life according to those values.If you grew up in a strict Catholic home, that's fine.You can explore your spirituality by looking into other faiths.You've never felt connected to the sex you were assigned at birth if you grew up being told there are only two genders.There is nothing wrong with you.Many people feel that way, and even science acknowledges that.Determine what feels right to you.
Step 3: Try new things to find your true interests and talents.
Life doesn't always give you the chance to discover what you're good at.Sometimes you have to look for things.Exploring your interests, trying new things, and being open to new opportunities are the best ways to do that.You will learn more about yourself when you try more things.If you can not afford dance classes, don't let that stop you from dancing.Try the video instructions online.You can watch dance performances on the internet.You should immerse yourself in your interests.If you have always wanted to be a writer, take writing classes, read books, and start writing.You are on the right path if this process feels right to you.If you've always wanted to learn computer coding, you can take a crack at it by getting a few books or online.You may be able to take free courses.You've always loved to swim, but rarely do it.It's a good idea to head to the pool more often.
Step 4: Do you know what a happy, successful life looks like to you?
It is easy to make your own opinions on success.Take a moment to think about what success means to you.What lifestyle will make you happy?What does it mean to you in the long run?What kind of work do you want to do?You should write your thoughts down on paper.Don't stop to think about how impossible an idea is if you let the ideas flow.Success may mean traveling and being able to work from anywhere in the world.Maybe you want to be part of a close-knit family and have a big, comfortable house.It's normal to have different ideas about success.All of them should be written down.You may have separate lists for career and personal success.
Step 5: Look for people who accept your authentic self.
If you're afraid of showing your real self to someone, you may want to rethink your life.Try to surround yourself with people who support you.You should be able to express your values and principles without fear of being judged.These standards should be held to by your closest friends and significant others.You don't need to cut people out of your life if they disagree with you.Like you, they need to be true to themselves.They need to be able to agree to disagree on certain matters.Maybe you and your best friend don't see eye to eye when it comes to politics.That does not mean you can't be friends.If you can respect each other's opinions without trying to convert the other person, that is a good sign.There are some fundamental differences that can't be changed.If you come out as a trans person to a friend and they refuse to call you by your preferred pronouns, they don't respect your identity.That isn't a supportive friend.
Step 6: A fulfilling career will reflect who you really are.
If your dream career isn't lucrative or respected by the people who are important to you, it's easy to end up on a career path that does not fulfill you.Don't get the idea of a successful career mixed with what you really want to do.Other opinions don't matter because the work you do is meaningful to you.For example, if your parents want you to be a doctor, then your dream is to work in a library.Don't give up hope if your parents refuse to pay for school.Tell them how much this means to you.Apply for scholarships if they refuse and take online classes to save money.Every time you mention the idea of starting an animal shelter for Persian cats to your friends or family, they give you a strange look or shake their heads.Don't be discouraged by their reactions.
Step 7: Make a list of your goals.
You can start making changes now that you know yourself better.List your main goals in life.What are the major accomplishments that matter to you and what do you want to achieve?Don't worry if the goals seem far away or impossible, be as specific as you can.Get them down on paper.You can write down goals like getting a college degree, having children, writing a novel, and traveling the world.
Step 8: Break each goal into smaller ones.
It makes your progress feel real when you achieve smaller goals along the way.Think about what actions you need to take to get there.You can easily keep track of your progress if you start small and write down everything.If you want to write a novel, you should write down goals such as taking a creative writing class, creating a plot, working out your outline, and finishing the first chapter.If you want to start your own business, you should write down goals like writing a business plan, researching your customer base, and creating a logo.
Step 9: Track and celebrate your wins with goals that are measurable.
Make sure that your goals can be tracked and measured easily.Time frames are important to your goals.You can break goals down into weekly or monthly tasks.If you want to write a novel, you should assign a realistic time frame.Aim to complete your research in 2 months, write a chapter a month, and finish at least 5 pages per week, then break it down further.To motivate you along the way, celebrate each goal that you achieve.
Step 10: When you need to, adjust your goals.
Goals change over time.New goals will be added to your list as you go along.Make changes at regular intervals that feel right to you.Stay on track with your new intentions by writing them down.You can enroll in a school without thinking about a particular specialty.You discover that you have a talent for pastry-making as you get deeper into your studies.Next semester you should include pastry classes.You start writing a novel and discover that you are better at dialogue than prose.You may want to include a class on screenplay writing in your goals.
Step 11: If you want to sidestep negative thoughts, learn to tune out your inner critic.
Everyone has an inner critic that makes them doubt themselves.Try to follow a zero-tolerance policy for negative thoughts.Put a stop to the thought as soon as you start to think that way.It takes practice but you can do it.You have to learn to ignore the little voice in order to achieve your goals.Your inner critic can get even louder if you recently experienced a setback.You might think, "Are you sure you want this?" or "You don't have the skills for this." Those are not true.Don't let your inner critic dictate what you do.
Step 12: You have to get out of your comfort zone.
People are more comfortable with lifestyles that are familiar to them.You may have to do new things if you want to live an authentic life.This can be difficult and frightening.If something makes you fear or uncomfortable, make yourself examine what's causing it.You will be able to overcome the feelings more easily if you know what's fueling them.You might want to pursue a career as an actor, but you are prone to stage fright.You can overcome that fear by taking an acting class or community theater class.
Step 13: It's a good idea to be comfortable with being different.
Everyone wants to be part of a crowd or tribe.Human nature is what it is.Living the way you want may lead to decisions that other people can't relate to.To be authentic you have to overcome the desire to fit in and stand out from the crowd.You may have to speak up if you don't agree with something your friends are saying.
Step 14: You shouldn't expect everyone to fully embrace what you're doing.
You can't convince everyone that you're on the right path when you make big changes in your life.If you don't share their views, they may try to talk you out of something or tell you why you're wrong.Do you really need permission from your parents, friends, or peers to make changes in your life that will make you happy?Try to keep an open mind when other people have different view points than you do.Understand both sides.People who don't try to stifle who you are are the most important people in your life.You may need to leave them behind if they can't handle you.
Step 15: Don't be impatient with yourself.
Living the way you want to live for the rest of your life is a long process.It takes time to explore your thoughts, emotions, and values.You should not rush big changes in your life.Give yourself time to get used to one change at a time.