10 signs you’re becoming the person you always aspired to be, according to psychology

We’re all on a journey of self-discovery, with many of us striving to become the best version of ourselves.
Becoming who you’ve always wanted to be is a journey, not a destination. It’s about personal growth and self-improvement, which can often be hard to measure.
You might wonder if you’re truly living up to your potential or if you’re still working towards the person you’ve always aspired to be.
According to psychology, there are certain signs that indicate you’re progressing towards becoming your ideal self. And the best part is that you might be showing these subtle signs without even realizing it.
Here are 10 signs that you’re on the right path towards becoming the person you’ve always aspired to be.
1) You’re more self-aware
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal growth and becoming the person you aspire to be.
Psychology tells us that as we evolve, we start to understand ourselves better. Our strengths, our weaknesses, our triggers, and what makes us truly happy – these aren’t mysteries anymore.
As you journey towards your ideal self, you’ll notice that you’re more in tune with your emotions and thoughts.
You’re not just going through the motions of life, but rather, you’re actively reflecting on your actions and their impact.
This heightened sense of self-awareness is a clear sign that you’re becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be. But remember, it’s a continuous process and there’s always room for more understanding and growth.
2) You’re practicing gratitude
It might sound simple, but practicing gratitude is a powerful sign that you’re becoming the person you’ve always aspired to be.
Being grateful helps us shift our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance that it already has. It’s about appreciating everything, big and small, and understanding that even the little things in life hold great value.
If you find yourself consciously expressing gratitude for your experiences, the people in your life, and even your challenges, then you’re on the right path.
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset, a way of living that emphasizes positivity and acknowledges the good in life.
Keep fostering this attitude of gratitude, and watch as it transforms your perspective and brings you closer to your ideal self.
3) You’re more resilient than before
Life is full of ups and downs. However, the way we respond to these highs and lows is what truly defines us.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It’s about facing challenges head-on and not letting them bog you down.
Did you know that people who have faced adversities in life tend to be more resilient? They adapt better to new challenges and are less likely to succumb to stress.
If you’ve noticed that you’re handling setbacks better than before, that’s a sign of growing resilience. It shows you’re becoming stronger, more adaptable, and definitely evolving into the person you’ve always aspired to be.
4) You are more accepting of your flaws and imperfections
In a world that often pushes us towards perfection, accepting your imperfections and embracing your flaws is a powerful sign of personal growth.
Nobody’s perfect. We all have flaws and weaknesses. They’re part of what makes us human. As you grow, you’ll find that you’re not as hard on yourself as you used to be.
You’ll start to understand that your flaws are a part of who you are and what makes you unique. Instead of beating yourself up for your shortcomings, you’re more likely to view them as areas for improvement.
Self-acceptance is not about complacency or settling for less. It’s about acknowledging your flaws and working on them without letting them define your self-worth.
If you’re learning to love yourself, warts and all, instead of constantly striving for an unattainable form of perfection, then this shift in perspective is a clear indication you’re making significant strides towards becoming the person you’ve always aspired to be.
5) You’re setting healthier boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries is a vital part of self-care and personal growth. It’s about respecting your needs and ensuring others respect them too.
If you’re finding it easier to say ‘no’ when something doesn’t align with your values or priorities, that’s a sign of progress. It shows that you value your time, your health, and your emotional well-being.
You’re not afraid to put yourself first when necessary, and you’re learning that it’s not selfish to do so. It’s an essential step towards becoming the person you’ve always aspired to be.
Setting boundaries doesn’t mean being rude or unkind. It’s about clearly communicating your needs and expectations in a respectful manner.
6) You’ve learned to forgive and let go
We all have been hurt and we all have hurt others. It’s part of being human. But as you grow into the person you aspire to be, you’ll find that holding onto grudges and resentment only weighs you down.
Forgiving isn’t about forgetting or saying that what happened was okay. It’s about finding peace and freeing yourself from the burden of past hurts.
You’ll notice that you’re more willing to forgive others and, more importantly, forgive yourself. You’re learning to let go of past mistakes and focus on the present and future.
The ability to forgive is a powerful sign of emotional growth. It shows empathy, understanding, and strength of character – qualities of the person you’re becoming.
Remember, forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. So give yourself time and celebrate each step forward.
7) You’re pursuing what truly matters to you
There was a time when I used to chase after things that society deemed important. A high-paying job, a fancy car, a luxurious lifestyle – these were the markers of success.
But as I grew and evolved, I realized that these things didn’t truly make me happy. They were not what I was passionate about.
Today, I pursue what truly matters to me. Whether it’s spending quality time with my loved ones, writing, or helping others – these are the things that bring me joy and fulfillment.
If you’re finding yourself prioritizing your passions and what genuinely makes you happy over societal expectations, that’s a big step forward.
It shows that you’re becoming more authentic, more in tune with your desires, and yes, becoming the person you always aspired to be.
8) You’re comfortable with being alone
Being alone and being lonely are two different things. As you grow into the person you aspire to be, you’ll find that spending time alone doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lonely.
In fact, you start to enjoy your own company. Being alone gives you the chance to reflect, recharge, and focus on self-improvement.
Solitude, when chosen and appreciated, can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. It allows you to tune out the noise of the world and listen to your inner voice.
You no longer feel the need to always surround yourself with people or to constantly stay busy. You appreciate the quiet moments where it’s just you and your thoughts.
This comfort in solitude indicates maturity and self-confidence. It’s a sign that you’re becoming more secure in who you are, a key aspect of becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.
9) You’re comfortable with discomfort and embracing change
Change can be scary, but it’s an integral part of personal growth and development. Another sign you are becoming the person you always aspired to be, is when you find yourself comfortable in discomfort and embrace change.
Achieving self-growth often means stepping outside of your comfort zone and challenging yourself in ways you might not have previously imagined.
Change is inevitable in life, but our reaction to it is within our control. It’s about embracing it, finding opportunities in it, and using it as a stepping stone towards your ultimate goal.
If you find that you’re taking on new challenges, striving for things that scare you, and pushing your boundaries, then you’re on the right track.
Rather than shying away from these uncomfortable situations, you’re leaning into them, understanding that they’re necessary for your growth and development.
This might not always be easy or pleasant, but it’s a clear indication that you’re moving forward in your journey towards becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.
Embrace this discomfort and keep pushing forward. You’re on the right path towards becoming the person you always aspired to be.
10) You surround yourself with positivity
If you find yourself consciously surrounding yourself with positive influences, you’re likely becoming the person you’ve always aspired to be.
Did you know that we are, to a large extent, the sum of the five people we spend the most time with? This is because we tend to pick up on their habits, attitudes, and energy, whether positive or negative.
If you’re making conscious decisions to spend time with people who inspire you, motivate you, and bring out the best in you, then you’re on the right track.
Choosing your circle wisely indicates that you understand the impact of your environment on your personal growth and evolution.
Keep nurturing these positive relationships and watch as they help propel you towards becoming your ideal self.
Understanding the journey of self-growth
The journey to becoming the person you’ve always aspired to be is not a straight path, but rather a winding road filled with highs and lows, progress and setbacks.
Understanding this can provide a deeper insight into your personal growth journey.
It’s important to remember that self-growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term process that requires patience, perseverance, and a lot of self-love.
You might have days when you feel like you’re on top of the world, making significant progress towards your goals. But there will also be days when you feel like you’re taking two steps back for every step forward.
On such days, it’s crucial not to lose heart but to remind yourself that progress isn’t always linear.
Another key aspect of personal growth is embracing self-compassion. Often, we are our harshest critics. We hold ourselves up to impossibly high standards and beat ourselves up when we fall short.
But embracing self-compassion means understanding that it’s okay not to be perfect. It’s okay to have bad days. It’s okay to make mistakes, as long as we learn from them and keep moving forward.
Also, remember that self-growth is not about becoming a different person altogether. It’s about becoming more authentically you.
It’s about shedding the layers of societal expectations and pressures and uncovering the real you beneath it all.
Ultimately, the journey to becoming the person you’ve always aspired to be is deeply personal. The signs listed in this article are just guideposts along the way. Your path might look different, and that’s perfectly okay.
At the end of the day, we are all work-in-progress. So keep going at your own pace, celebrate your victories – no matter how small – and remember to be kind to yourself along the way.
Your journey’s unique to you. Embrace it, cherish it, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of it.