Becoming the person you’ve always aspired to be is a journey, not a destination.

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast. I believe that this journey of self-development is filled with signs that indicate you’re on the right track.

But what are these signs? How do you know you’re finally coming into your own, living out your dreams and evolving into the person you’ve always wanted to be?

Well, in this article, I’ll share with you 8 signs that you’re finally becoming the person you always aspired to be.

These are signs that show you’re growing, transforming, and yes, succeeding at your own pace.

Let’s get started. 

1. You’re living authentically

Living authentically is a sure sign you’re becoming the person you’ve always aspired to be.

When we live authentically, we are true to our values, beliefs, and desires. We’re not pretending to be someone we’re not, or trying to fit into a mold that society or others have set for us.

This doesn’t mean that we don’t evolve or change. On the contrary, authentic people are open to growth and learning. But the changes they make are in line with who they truly are and what they genuinely want from life.

When you start living authentically, you find a deep sense of peace and satisfaction that comes from being true to yourself. This is a key indication that you’re becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.

As Carl Jung, the famous psychologist once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

2. You’re not afraid of failure or rejection

Fear of failure or rejection can hold us back from becoming the person we aspire to be. But when you start to embrace these fears, it’s a clear sign you’re evolving into your best self.

Let me share a personal example. When I first started Hack Spirit, I was terrified of failure. What if no one read my articles? What if I received negative feedback? These fears were paralyzing.

But then, I realized that failure and rejection were part of the journey. I decided to take the plunge and put my work out there, despite the fear. After all, I was passionate about mindfulness and believed in the value of what I was sharing.

Now, every time I face a new challenge or opportunity, I remind myself that it’s okay to fail or to be rejected. It’s part of the learning process.

In fact, it’s through failure and rejection that we grow the most. And that growth is what guides us towards becoming the person we’ve always aspired to be.

3. You’re living with minimal ego

One of the most potent signs you’re becoming the person you always aspired to be is when you start living with minimal ego.

Ego often gets in the way of our aspirations. It makes us defensive, resistant to change, and unable to accept feedback. Living with a minimal ego means recognizing that we’re not always right and being open to learning from our mistakes. It’s about focusing on growth rather than protecting our image.

Now, this is a concept I delve into in my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. In it, I explore how the Buddhist philosophy helps us live a life of humility, openness, and acceptance.

When we live with minimal ego, we accept ourselves as we are – warts and all – and we show the same acceptance towards others. We stop trying to control everything around us and start living in harmony with the world.

Living with minimal ego isn’t about denying our strengths or being overly humble. Instead, it’s about knowing our worth but not letting it cloud our judgment or interactions with others. It’s about being comfortable in our skin and allowing others the same comfort.

4. You’re more resilient

Psychological resilience is the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. It’s a sign of emotional maturity and a key indicator that you’re becoming the person you aspire to be.

Resilience doesn’t mean that you don’t experience difficulty or distress. Instead, it’s about how you react to stress, adversity, failure, or trauma.

Resilient people are able to face life’s challenges with a positive attitude and a sense of humor. They don’t let setbacks discourage them or prevent them from moving forward.

According to psychologists, resilience isn’t an inborn trait; it can be developed over time. They recommend practices such as maintaining a positive outlook, practicing mindfulness, fostering strong relationships, and seeking professional help when needed.

5. You’re content with not knowing everything

It might seem counter-intuitive, but being okay with not knowing everything is a clear sign you’re becoming the person you aspire to be.

In our information-saturated society, there’s a certain pressure to know and understand everything. But the truth is, it’s impossible and exhausting to know it all.

Realizing this is not a sign of weakness or ignorance. On the contrary, it’s a sign of wisdom and maturity. It indicates that you’re comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity, which are inevitable parts of life.

Being okay with not knowing everything also opens up opportunities for learning and growth. It means you’re open-minded, curious, and eager to learn from others and from new experiences.

6. You’re practicing self-compassion

Self-compassion is an essential element of becoming the person you aspire to be. It involves treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness, especially during challenging times or when you make mistakes.

Most people are kinder to others than they are to themselves. However, practicing self-compassion means extending the same kindness and understanding you give others to yourself.

Self-compassion encourages personal growth and healthier mental well-being. It allows you to acknowledge your faults and shortcomings without letting them define who you are.

7. You’re setting boundaries

Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health. It’s about knowing what you’re comfortable with and communicating it effectively.

There was a time when I found it hard to say ‘no’ to others, often at the cost of my own peace and wellbeing. I’d agree to take on more work than I could handle, or attend social events I wasn’t interested in, simply because I didn’t want to let others down.

But over time, I’ve realized the importance of setting boundaries. It’s not about being selfish or uncaring. It’s about respecting your own time, energy, and emotional space.

Setting boundaries allows you to prioritize your needs and make time for things that truly matter to you. It protects you from potential burnout and helps maintain healthy relationships.

8. You’re pursuing what truly matters to you

Finally, a key sign you’re becoming the person you always aspired to be is when you start pursuing what truly matters to you.

Rather than chasing after societal expectations or external validation, you start focusing on the things that ignite your passion and bring you joy. You align your actions with your values and start making decisions based on what feels right to you.

This might mean choosing a career that fulfills you over one that just pays well, or prioritizing personal relationships over professional networking.

Pursuing what truly matters to you leads to a sense of fulfillment and contentment that can’t be matched by any external achievement.

Conclusion

Self-discovery is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Becoming the person you aspire to be is not about reaching a particular stage or achieving certain goals; it’s about continuous growth and evolution.

Throughout this journey, you may face challenges, setbacks, and periods of self-doubt. But as you navigate through these experiences, remember that they’re part of the process. Each step takes you closer to becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.

If you recognize these 8 signs in your own life, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re on the right track.

For deeper insights into this journey towards self-discovery and personal growth, I invite you to read my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. This book delves into the philosophy of living with minimal ego, which I believe is integral to becoming your best self.

Becoming the person you aspire to be is a personal journey that’s unique to everyone. So don’t compare your progress with others. Instead, focus on your own path and take pride in every step you take towards your aspiration.