10 Powerful Ways to Discover Your Authentic Self and Thrive

Building a strong sense of self is a lifelong journey. You will always be challenged in ways that will help you become a smarter, better, and more developed version of yourself. However, this doesn’t always mean that you’ll feel like you really know yourself that well!

Some people think the idea of not knowing yourself is strange–after all, you are yourself. As strange as this may seem, it is possible to feel disconnected from yourself, as if you don’t always feel very connected or understanding of who you are.

As you move through life’s challenges and learn more about yourself, consider using these ten tips to build a strong sense of self within you.

1. Practice self-acceptance.

Embrace and accept yourself for who you are, including your strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections. Recognize that you are unique and worthy of love and respect, no matter what you’re going through or bringing to the table at any given time.

2. Set healthy boundaries with the people in your life.

Establish and maintain boundaries that protect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Learn to say no when necessary and prioritize self-care.

3. Nurture your self-compassion.

Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging and validating your emotions and experiences without judgment. Give yourself the “best friend treatment”–love and care for yourself the same way you would a best friend.

4. Cultivate more self-awareness.

Take time for self-reflection and introspection. Explore your values, beliefs, and desires. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. Self-awareness allows you to align your actions with your authentic self. 

5. Focus on personal growth.

Engage in activities that promote personal growth and development. Continuously seek opportunities to learn, acquire new skills, and challenge yourself. Embrace a growth mindset that sees setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and try new things.

6. Practice self-care regularly.

Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This may include activities such as exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, mindfulness, relaxation, and engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy. Make your self-care time a priority and resist the urge to skip it when you’re feeling busy or hurried.

7. Surround yourself with positive influences.

Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Seek out relationships that are nurturing, encouraging, and authentic. Minimize exposure to toxic or negative influences that undermine your self-worth–even if the toxic person is someone you care about.

8. Celebrate all of your achievements, big or small.

Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Give yourself credit for your efforts and successes. Reflect on your progress and use it as motivation to continue striving for personal growth.

9. Challenge any self-limiting beliefs you might have.

Identify and challenge negative or self-limiting beliefs that hold you back. If you catch yourself thinking disparaging things about yourself, stop and consider how much truth actually lies behind those thoughts. Replace them with positive and empowering beliefs that align with your true potential.

10. Practice self-empowerment.

Take control of your life by making choices and decisions that align with your values and goals. Recognize your own power and ability to create the life you desire. Trust in your intuition and make choices that are authentic to you. Doing so will not only help you build your sense of self, but it will also develop your sense of self confidence, too.

Remember that building a strong sense of self is a lifelong journey. Be patient and kind to yourself as you explore these tips and embrace the process of self-discovery and self-empowerment.

Joe Mitchell, Esquire is a High-Performance Coach and EFT (Tapping) Practitioner, who has logged over 35 years of in-depth study of personal and spiritual development. In his studies, he has done hundreds of self-development courses, spiritual retreats, and health-related workshops. Coach Joe is a certified yoga teacher, meditation teacher, NLP Practitioner, and a graduate of three coaching academies. Two years after he graduated from Harvard Law School, he became a monk for five years. In 2016, after over 20 years as a solo criminal and personal injury attorney, he decided to turn his heart’s passion into a career as a Success Coach, Motivational Speaker and Trainer. For information on Coach Joe’s programs, high-performance videos and apply for a Free High-Performance Session click the following link: http://www.activateyourgreatness.com/free