Moving beyond existence to truly living is a profound difference many people yearn for.

Life’s journey when needing change doesn’t involve becoming someone new, but rather peeling back the layers to reveal the person we were always meant to be. The personal act of self-discovery is an incredible gift we can bring to our lives.

While remaining on autopilot may feel safe and familiar, our inner desire for growth and transformation will persist when we don’t pay attention and look to consider the changes our life (and soul) desires. So many people I work with arrive feeling frustrated, depleted, and unsure of what next steps to take, and how to go about creating the necessary changes they desire. The path to becoming the best version of ourselves, and feeling satisfied with life as you are living it is a journey of self-discovery and personal development. It doesn’t involve becoming someone new, but rather peeling back the layers to reveal the person we were always meant to be.

Psychology highlights specific indicators that signal progress along this path of self-evolution. Recognizing these signs, though not always overt, can bring about immense empowerment.

Having dedicated years to the study of mindset and mindfulness, I have identified and distilled these signs. In this article, I will unveil 5 ways to self-development indicators that demonstrate you are evolving into your best self.

Join me on this expedition towards self-enrichment and personal advancement. Let us start with 5 ways to aiding our self-development

Becoming the best version of yourself

Involves embracing change as an integral part of your journey. Life is dynamic, constantly presenting us with new opportunities for growth and development. Stepping out of our comfort zones can feel daunting, but it’s within these moments of discomfort that we truly thrive and evolve. Embracing change signifies a willingness to adapt and learn, marking a significant milestone in personal growth.
Humans are actually great at change, it’s those stories of the mind that gets in our way and hold us back. Psychological research indicates that individuals who embrace change demonstrate greater resilience and lower levels of stress and anxiety. They approach life’s challenges with optimism and are better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of life.
From a mindfulness perspective, embracing change involves cultivating a mindset of acceptance and presence. Being ‘present’ is most certainly not a cliche. By embracing the present moment and accepting the inevitability of change, we empower ourselves to move forward with courage and resilience.
If you find yourself embracing change rather than resisting it, recognize it as a positive sign of your journey towards becoming the best version of yourself. Remember, personal growth is an ongoing process, so continue to embrace change and evolve with each new experience.

Cultivating mindfulness

The practice of mindfulness is like tending to a garden. It requires patience, dedication, nourishment and a gentle touch. It’s about being fully present in the here and now, and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgement. From someone who has been practicing and teaching mindfulness for years, I can tell you that this practice is transformative. It is one adaptive skill that changes the neuroplasticity (reconfiguration) of the mind, when repeating mindful approached to life, and on purpose. Mindfulness allows us to become more attuned to our inner selves, allowing us to better understand our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

The cultivation of this awareness is another sign that you’re developing into the best version of yourself. It shows that you’re committed to understanding yourself more as you grow and change, while living your life more fully.

If you’re actively observing your thoughts and emotions without passing judgment, many congratulations! You’re embarking on a journey towards living a life with inner peace and greater mindfulness, paving the way to becoming the finest rendition of yourself. Keep coming home to yourself, keep giving yourself permission to understanding yourself better. After all, the only people you need to truly align with, is you – from this point, life will flow with more ease.

Thich Nhat Hanh, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 95, was one of the most renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monks of the 21^st century. He helped pioneer the concept of mindfulness in the West and socially engaged Buddhism in the East, and once said: “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of mindfulness. While I am not a Buddhist, their teachings are remarkable and a beautiful addition to how we can live life in peace and tame the ego. His biography is a beautiful read, titled ‘Buddhism in Action’ and can be purchased here

If you would like to experience a mindfulness hour with me, click here

Navigating the balance between impact and ego

Striving to be your best self often involves finding equilibrium between making a meaningful impact and keeping your ego in check. Achieving this balance can be a challenging endeavour. I’ve grappled with it personally in the past, but through time and reflection, I’ve discovered that genuine growth occurs when we live with significant impact and minimal ego. Tune into those stories the mind tells us, listen carefully, and then ask yourself ‘is this true?’. Wait for the answer, and for many; the answer arrives immediately. When you discover that the story of the mind is not true, create another statement/story to replace the untruth. You may wish to write down your new story title and repeat as necessary and defiantly when the old story arises. By up taking this process, you are creating new neuro pathways that will when repeating new structure (new story) will soon become your new thought!!

If you’re driven to effect positive change without seeking personal glory, it’s another indicator that you’re progressing toward your best self. Recognizing the profound influence of our actions on others and striving to contribute positively signifies a significant step in your journey.

Cultivating gratitude

In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s effortless to focus on what we lack rather than appreciating what we possess. Yet, practicing gratitude offers a powerful shift in perspective. It enables us to acknowledge the blessings in our lives, even amidst challenges. As Oprah Winfrey aptly stated, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” This sentiment embodies the transformative potency of gratitude. To begin, keep a journal, date each daily entry and on awakening in the morning, start your day by writing down 5 – 10 things you are most grateful for in your life. Repeating this action before going to sleep will allow the transfer of your gratitude to seep through your cells while sleeping which makes way to wake in a more positive frame of mind.

If you find yourself consciously embracing gratitude, consider it another sign of personal growth. It demonstrates a focus on abundance and positivity rather than scarcity. Practicing gratitude can be as simple as pausing each day to reflect on something you’re thankful for. This small act can wield immense influence on your journey toward self-improvement.

Unveiling your core values

Understanding your core values serves as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions. It entails recognizing what holds true significance to you and standing firm in it, even amidst challenges.

Take a read of my personal blog about how to identify a strong sense of self

In my own evolution, delving into my core values has proven pivotal. It has empowered me to make choices aligned with my true self and aspirations. When making decisions from your value system, whether personal or business values, the journey and outcome gain far reaching positivity in doing so. If you find yourself exploring and clarifying your core values, it signifies another stride in your growth journey. It showcases your dedication to living authentically and harmoniously with your inner truth.

Continue to give yourself permission to walk in your own shoes, taking the necessary steps while reminding yourself to align decisions from your values not those we inherited in our earlier years from those who influenced us. If you need a little support around this, book a clarity call with me here

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