We all have a side of ourselves that we show to the world, and then there’s the part that we keep hidden – our inner world. Sometimes, these two selves don’t quite match up.

The key to a harmonious life lies in aligning your inner world with the person you present to others. It’s about being genuine, authentic, and true to yourself.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 8 ways to bridge that gap. By implementing these strategies, you can become more congruent, and thus, more at peace with yourself.

So let’s dive in, shall we?

1) Self-awareness is key

Before you can align your inner world with your outer self, you need to understand what makes up your inner world.

This is where self-awareness comes into play. It’s the conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires. The more self-aware you are, the better you’ll be able to understand why you think and behave the way you do.

Start by spending some quiet time alone each day to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Journaling can be a great tool for this. The goal here is to identify patterns in your thoughts and emotions.

Once you understand these patterns, you can then look for ways to align them with how you present yourself to the world.

But remember, this isn’t about changing who you are to fit into a certain mold. It’s about living authentically and being true to yourself.

2) Embrace vulnerability

Being vulnerable can be scary. Trust me, I know.

A few years back, I was climbing the corporate ladder, putting on a ‘professional’ front. I was hiding my insecurities and fears under a well-crafted, confident exterior. But inside, I was struggling with self-doubt and anxiety.

When a trusted mentor noticed this disconnect, he suggested that I be more open about my feelings and fears. At first, the idea terrified me. But as I slowly started sharing my inner struggles with my peers and my team, something surprising happened.

Instead of judging me or seeing me as weak, people began to connect with me on a deeper level. They appreciated my honesty and even shared their own vulnerabilities.

This openness didn’t just improve my relationships at work. It brought me closer to aligning my inner world with the person I was presenting to others.

So, don’t be afraid to show vulnerability. It’s an essential step towards authenticity.

3) Practice mindfulness

The hustle and bustle of daily life can often leave us disconnected from our inner selves. We react to situations automatically, without taking the time to understand why.

Mindfulness, the practice of focusing our attention on the present moment, can help with this. It’s a tool that allows us to create a pause between stimulus and response and gives us the chance to choose our actions rather than reacting impulsively.

Did you know that several studies have shown that regular mindfulness practice can actually change the structure of your brain? It can increase grey matter density in areas related to learning, memory, emotion regulation, and empathy.

By practicing mindfulness, not only do we get a better grasp on our emotions and thoughts, but we also become more capable of aligning our inner world with the person we present to others.

4) Be honest with yourself

This might sound straightforward, but it’s surprising how often we deceive ourselves to avoid discomfort.

We might convince ourselves that we’re content in a job that doesn’t fulfill us, or in a relationship that’s not serving us. We may even adopt certain habits or attitudes simply because they’re socially acceptable, not because they truly resonate with us.

To align your inner world with your outer self, you need to be brutally honest with yourself. This means acknowledging your fears, insecurities, hopes, and dreams.

It can be tough to face these truths, but it’s an important step towards living an authentic life. When you’re honest with yourself about who you are and what you want, you’ll find it much easier to present this genuine self to others.

5) Show kindness to yourself

In the journey of aligning your inner world with the person you present to others, you’re bound to stumble. There’ll be days when your actions don’t quite match your intentions, and that’s okay.

During these times, it’s crucial to show kindness to yourself. Beating yourself up over these missteps won’t help. In fact, it often pushes us further away from our true selves.

Think of a dear friend who’s struggling. You wouldn’t berate them for their mistakes, right? You’d offer them understanding, compassion, and support.

Treat yourself with the same kindness. Remember that it’s okay to take things slow, to have tough days, and to not be perfect. This journey is about progress, not perfection.

Being kind to ourselves not only helps us heal and grow, but also allows us to present a more authentic self to the world, one that accepts and embraces imperfections.

6) Embrace change

Change can be daunting. Whether it’s a shift in career, a move to a new city, or a transformation in personal beliefs, it can feel like stepping into the unknown.

I recall the time I decided to switch careers. I left a stable job in finance to pursue my passion for writing. It was a leap of faith, filled with uncertainty and fear. But it was also one of the most liberating experiences of my life.

This change allowed me to align my inner passion with the work I was doing outwardly. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

Change is often the catalyst for growth and self-discovery. It allows us to shed old patterns that no longer serve us and step closer to our true selves.

So, be open to change. It might be uncomfortable, but it’s often the path towards authenticity.

7) Seek feedback

Sometimes, we’re too close to ourselves to see things clearly. That’s where feedback from others can be invaluable.

People who interact with us regularly – friends, family, colleagues – can provide insights into how we’re perceived. They can help highlight discrepancies between our inner world and the person we present to others.

But remember, seeking feedback isn’t about changing yourself to please others. It’s about gaining a clearer understanding of your actions and behaviors.

So, don’t shy away from asking for feedback. Constructive criticism can be a powerful tool in helping us align our inner selves with the image we project to the world.

8) Live your values

At the core of aligning your inner world with the person you present to others lies one fundamental principle – living your values.

Your values are the guiding principles that dictate your behavior and actions. They’re what you believe in, what you stand for.

When your actions align with your values, you’re living authentically. You’re being true to yourself. This doesn’t just bring a sense of peace and harmony within you, but also makes your interactions with others more genuine and meaningful.

So, identify what your core values are and make a conscious effort to live by them. It’s the most impactful step towards aligning your inner world with the person you present to the world.

At the heart of it all

The journey to align your inner world with the person you present to others isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding paths you can take.

The truth is, authenticity is not a destination but a journey – a continuous process of self-discovery and growth.

And while this journey may look different for everyone, one thing remains constant – the profound sense of peace and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with your true self.

So, as you go about your day, remember to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: Are my actions in harmony with my inner world? Am I being true to myself?

Your journey to alignment starts with these questions. And as you delve deeper into this path, you’ll discover a world within you that’s waiting to be shared with the world outside.