It’s one of the most challenging endeavors you’ll ever undertake:

You know who you are, or at least, you think you do. But there are these habits, these behaviors that seem to be holding you back.

You’ve tried to shake them off, and done your best to rise above them, but they always seem to creep back in.

Sometimes, it’s not even a dramatic moment that brings this realization.

You just have this niggling feeling that it’s time to let go of those behaviors, even if your instincts, mind or emotions resist.

Here’s how you can be certain that it’s time to say goodbye to these 8 behaviors to become a truly authentic and confident person, even if it seems like an uphill climb.

1) You’re constantly seeking validation

Validation is a tricky thing. It’s nice to have, but when you rely on it to feel worthy or accomplished, it becomes a problem.

Here’s the thing – you are enough just as you are. You don’t need others to confirm that for you.

Yet, if you find yourself constantly seeking approval or praise from others, it’s a sure sign of a behavior that needs to be checked.

To be an authentic and confident person, it’s essential to derive your self-worth from within.

Your life should be about what feels right for you, not what looks right to others. If that’s not the case, it’s time for a change.

2) I’m often saying ‘yes’ when I want to say ‘no’

This one hits close to home for me. I’ve found myself in situations where I’ve agreed to things, not because I wanted to, but because I felt obligated.

It’s like being in a tug-of-war between what I want and what others expect of me.

The result? Resentment, stress, and a feeling of being untrue to myself.

I’ve realized that being authentic and confident means having the courage to say ‘no’ when something doesn’t align with my values or desires.

If you’re always bending to the will of others, then aren’t you just living someone else’s life?

Your life should be about standing your ground and honoring your feelings. If that’s not the case, it’s time for a change.

3) I used to hide my failures

I remember a time when I was terrified of making mistakes. If I failed at something, I’d do everything within my power to hide it, to make it look like it never happened.

The fear of being seen as a failure was paralyzing.

But then, I realized that this was a behavior I needed to let go of if I wanted to be truly authentic and confident.

I started embracing my failures, viewing them as stepping stones towards growth rather than signs of weakness.

Your life should be about embracing all experiences, both successes and failures. If that’s not the case, it’s time for a change.

4) People-pleasing is not a trait of self-assured individuals

Did you know that people-pleasing is actually linked to lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of stress and depression?

I found this out during my journey towards authenticity and confidence, and it was a game changer.

It made me realize the importance of putting my own needs first, not in a selfish way, but in a self-caring way.

If you’re always trying to please others at the expense of your own happiness, then aren’t you just living to meet others’ expectations?

Your life should be about fulfilling your own dreams and aspirations. If that’s not the case, it’s time for a change.

5) I used to compare myself to others

This was one of the hardest habits for me to break. I would constantly look at others and measure my worth based on their achievements, looks, or success.

But here’s what I’ve learned – comparison is the thief of joy. It steals away your ability to appreciate who you are and what you have.

Your life should be about celebrating your uniqueness, not comparing it. If that’s not the case, it’s time for a change.

6) I used to fear change

Change can be scary. It disrupts our comfortable routines and forces us into the unknown. I used to resist it with all my might, trying to maintain control over every aspect of my life.

But the truth is, change is inevitable. More importantly, it’s often necessary for growth.

Are you constantly resisting change? If the answer is yes, then aren’t you just living in a state of stagnation?

Your life should be about embracing change, not fearing it. If that’s not the case, it’s time for a change.

7) I used to ignore my intuition

Intuition is a powerful tool. It’s that gut feeling, that inner voice that guides us even when logic fails.

I used to ignore it, always prioritizing my head over my heart. But time and again, I found that this approach led me astray.

Your life should be about tuning into your intuition, not tuning it out. If that’s not the case, it’s time for a change.

8) I used to avoid self-reflection

Perhaps the most impactful change I made was embracing self-reflection.

I used to shy away from it, fearing what I might discover about myself. But it’s through understanding our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that we can truly grow.

Your life should be about understanding and improving yourself, not avoiding it. If that’s not the case, it’s time for a change.

The final thought

If you see yourself in these behaviors, don’t be discouraged. Recognizing them is the first step towards transformation.

Self-awareness is key. Notice when you’re seeking external validation, sidelining your own needs, or disregarding your intuition. Awareness allows you to pause, to question – is this behavior helping me become my authentic self?

Changing long-held habits is a journey, not a switch to be flipped. Each step towards authenticity and confidence, no matter how small, is a victory.

It’s important to remember that this is not about perfection, but growth. When we make mistakes, we learn. When we stumble, we rise stronger.

By saying goodbye to these behaviors, we open the door to a more authentic, confident version of ourselves – one that embraces change, honors intuition, and values self above societal expectations.

The journey towards authenticity and confidence starts with you. Are you ready to take the first step?