There’s a profound distinction between simply existing and living life as your true self.

It’s the difference between following a path laid out for you by others, and stepping into the authentic you, unveiling the person you were always meant to be.

As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a practiced mindfulness expert immersed in the teachings of Buddhism, I’ve spent years exploring this path. And I’ve discovered certain signs that indicate you’re moving towards becoming your genuine self.

In this article, we’re going to delve into these 8 signs. If you recognize them in your life, then you’re finally on your way to becoming the person you were meant to be.

Let’s dive in. 

1) You’re embracing the present

When it comes to living authentically, being present is key.

As a mindfulness enthusiast, I can’t stress enough the role of presence in revealing your true self. It’s about embracing each moment as it comes, rather than dwelling on the past or anxiously anticipating the future.

This isn’t about dismissing your past or neglecting future planning. It’s about recognizing that life happens here and now. And the more you immerse yourself in the present, the more you connect with your authentic self.

So if you find yourself more in tune with the here and now, taking pleasure in life’s simple moments and appreciating each day as it unfolds, then you’re on the right track.

Living in the present is one of the first signs you’re becoming the person you were meant to be. Embrace it, because it’s a beautiful journey towards authenticity.

2) You’re letting go of what doesn’t serve you

An important part of self-discovery involves letting go. This means releasing anything that doesn’t serve your growth or align with your true self.

I’ve personally experienced the transformative power of letting go. It’s not always easy, but it’s a crucial step towards authenticity.

Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything – anger, anxiety, or possessions – we cannot be free.”

This couldn’t be more accurate.

If you find yourself willingly releasing old habits, thought patterns, or relationships that no longer serve you, it’s a strong sign you’re becoming the person you were meant to be. It’s about recognizing what hinders your authenticity and having the courage to let it go.

As you let go, you create space for the new – new experiences, new insights and a new you.

3) You’re learning to accept imperfection

A huge part of self-growth and stepping into your true self is accepting imperfection – both in yourself and others.

Buddhist wisdom teaches us about the concept of ‘wabi-sabi’, which encourages embracing the beauty in imperfection. It’s about understanding and accepting that life is transient, imperfect, and incomplete.

If you find yourself becoming more comfortable with your own flaws and those of others, it’s a sure sign you’re maturing into your genuine self.

It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s honest. And it’s not about being complacent or ignoring areas for improvement. Instead, it’s about recognizing that perfection is an illusion, and flaws are a part of being human.

Accepting imperfection is a step closer to becoming the person you were meant to be – beautifully flawed yet authentically yours.

4) You’re practicing self-compassion

Self-compassion is a fundamental aspect of mindfulness. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to others, especially when you’re going through challenging times.

Being brutally honest, we often are our harshest critics. We judge ourselves more harshly than we would ever judge others. But as you move towards becoming your authentic self, you start to replace this self-judgment with self-compassion.

If you find yourself being kinder to yourself, celebrating your small wins, and embracing your failures as opportunities for growth, it’s a clear sign that you’re on the right path.

Self-compassion isn’t about ignoring your flaws, but acknowledging them with gentleness and understanding. This is a vital step towards becoming the person you were meant to be, living a life that is not just mindful, but also kind and compassionate towards oneself.

5) You’re seeking wisdom, not just knowledge

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned in my journey towards mindfulness is the difference between knowledge and wisdom.

Knowledge is about facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education. It’s vital, but it’s not everything.

Wisdom, on the other hand, is about understanding and applying that knowledge in a way that enhances your life and the lives of others.

In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego I delve deeper into how Buddhist teachings can help us foster this wisdom, leading us towards living more mindfully and authentically.

If you find yourself craving wisdom over just mere knowledge, eager to understand the “why” behind things and use this understanding to improve your life and those around you, then you’re well on your way to becoming the person you were meant to be.

6) You’re cultivating mindfulness

Cultivating mindfulness is a journey in itself. It’s about being aware and present, noticing and accepting what’s happening without judgment.

But let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. Our minds are often caught up in a whirlwind of thoughts, making it challenging to stay focused and present.

However, the beauty of mindfulness is that it’s not about achieving a state of eternal peace or emptying your mind of thoughts. It’s about acknowledging your thoughts and feelings, and then gently bringing your attention back to the present.

If you’re consciously making an effort to be more mindful in your daily life – whether that’s through meditation, mindful eating, or simply paying more attention to your surroundings – that’s a clear sign you’re becoming the person you were meant to be.

Mindfulness isn’t a destination, but a way of travelling. And with each mindful moment, you’re stepping closer to your authentic self.

7) You’re embracing change

Change is an inevitable part of life. But accepting and embracing it is a whole different ball game.

It’s raw and it’s real. Change can be uncomfortable, sometimes even painful, but it’s also the pathway to growth.

The renowned mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn famously said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” This perfectly encapsulates the essence of embracing change.

If you find yourself more open to change, willing to adapt and grow from new experiences rather than resisting or fearing them, it’s a strong sign you’re becoming the person you were meant to be.

Embracing change is about understanding that life is in constant flux. And the more we adapt and flow with it, the more we align with our authentic selves.

8) You’re learning to do nothing

Now, this might seem counterintuitive. In a world that values hustle and constant action, doing nothing can be seen as unproductive, even lazy.

But from a mindfulness perspective, doing nothing has immense value.

It’s about intentionally taking time out to just be. It’s about silencing the noise, slowing down, and connecting with yourself on a deeper level.

If you find yourself consciously carving out time to do nothing – to simply sit in silence, observe your thoughts, or soak in your surroundings without any agenda – it could be a sign that you’re aligning with your true self.

Sometimes, doing nothing is the most productive thing you can do. It’s in these quiet moments that we often find clarity and connection with our authentic selves. So go ahead and embrace the power of doing nothing.

Conclusion

Recognizing these signs in your life is a symbol of growth and advancement on your journey to authenticity. It’s about more than just self-improvement; it’s about self-discovery and becoming the person you were meant to be.

If you’re seeing these signs in your life, take a moment to appreciate the progress you’ve made. But remember, it’s a continuous journey.

If you want to delve deeper into this journey, I invite you to check out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. In it, I share Buddhist wisdom and practices that can help you live authentically and mindfully.

Remember, becoming the person you were meant to be isn’t a destination, but a path. And every step on this path, no matter how small, is a step towards your authentic self. Keep going.