10 signs you’re becoming the person you always wanted to be, according to psychology
Navigating through life is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We’re all striving to become better versions of ourselves, and it’s not always clear when we’re making progress on that journey.
According to psychology, there are certain indicators that signal we’re evolving into the person we’ve always aspired to be.
You might be closer to becoming your ideal self than you think. From the way you handle adversity to your sense of self-worth, here are ten signs you’re becoming the person you always wanted to be.
Let’s dive in and see how many signs you can tick off!
1) Self-acceptance
The journey to becoming the person you want to be often starts with accepting the person you are right now.
Psychologists refer to this as self-acceptance, and it’s a key indicator of personal growth. It involves acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, and understanding that both are part of what makes you unique.
Self-acceptance doesn’t mean you stop striving for improvement. Rather, it provides a healthy foundation from which to grow and evolve.
It allows you to address your flaws without self-deprecation and celebrate your victories without arrogance.
So, if you find yourself feeling more comfortable in your own skin and less critical of your imperfections, congratulations! You’re on the path to becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.
2) Embracing change
Change can be scary, but it’s also a sign of growth, and how we react to change can speak volumes about who we are becoming.
People who are fulfilled with their personal growth are often those who see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for learning and growth. They understand that stepping out of their comfort zone is a necessary part of becoming better.
If you’ve found yourself embracing change and less afraid of the unknown, take it as a sign that you’re becoming the person you always wanted to be. It shows that you’re not only ready to face challenges head-on but also actively seek out new experiences that will help shape your character and life.
3) Overcoming negative self-talk
The way we talk to ourselves matters. Negative self-talk – the voice in your head that criticizes and doubts – can hold you back from becoming the person you want to be.
Psychology suggests that the average person has about 60,000 thoughts per day. And for most people, 80% of these thoughts are negative. That’s a lot of negativity!
But as we grow and evolve, we learn to silence this inner critic. We start replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, and begin to recognize the power of our mindset.
If you’re finding that your inner dialogue is becoming less critical and more uplifting, it’s a clear sign that you’re on the path towards self-improvement.
4) Setting healthy boundaries
Becoming the person you always wanted to be often involves learning to set healthy boundaries. This means recognizing what you need in order to thrive and not being afraid to communicate these needs to others.
Healthy boundaries can look like saying no to extra work when you’re already overwhelmed, or choosing to distance yourself from people who drain your energy.
It’s not always an easy thing to do. In fact, it can be quite challenging. But it’s an important step towards self-care and self-respect.
If you’re beginning to set and enforce boundaries that protect your wellbeing, this is a positive sign that you’re growing into the person you aspire to be.
5) Pursuing your passion
One of the most fulfilling signs of personal growth is the pursuit of your passions. When we are younger, we often compromise our dreams for practicality. But as we mature and gain confidence, we learn to make space for what truly ignites our spirit.
This doesn’t mean you have to quit your day job and move to a cabin in the woods to write a novel. It could be as simple as allotting time each week to paint, or joining a local theater group.
When you start actively pursuing what you love and making it a priority, it’s a clear sign that you’re becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be. After all, life is too short not to do what makes you happy.
6) Practicing gratitude
Gratitude can seem like a simple concept, but this simple practice can have profound effects on our happiness, relationships, and overall outlook on life.
Gratitude not only helps us appreciate what we have, but it also shifts our focus from what we lack in our lives to the abundance that’s already present.
It’s a shift towards recognizing and appreciating what’s going right instead of focusing on what’s going wrong. It’s a powerful tool for fostering positivity, and a significant sign of personal growth.
By practicing gratitude, you’re cultivating a positive mindset and enhancing your overall well-being – both critical aspects of becoming your best self. It’s about finding beauty in the ordinary and joy in the mundane, savoring the moment, and feeling a deep sense of appreciation for life.
If you’ve noticed that you’re practicing gratitude more regularly – taking time each day to reflect on the blessings you’re thankful for in your life – then this is a significant sign that you’re becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.
7) Cultivating resilience
Life has a way of throwing curveballs our way. We all face adversity, and it’s how we respond to these challenges that truly defines us.
Developing resilience in the face of setbacks and failure is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. It shows that you’ve learned to see failure not as a dead-end but as a detour or learning experience, an inevitable part of growth and a stepping stone to success.
If you’re finding that you bounce back from adversity quicker than before, or that setbacks don’t deter you as much as they used to, it’s a sign that you’re becoming the resilient person you’ve always aspired to be. It shows that you’re not only ambitious but also courageous and persistent.
8) Prioritizing self-care
We live in a society that often glorifies being busy, but taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary.
Self-care encompasses a broad range of activities, from getting enough sleep and eating well, to taking time for relaxation and hobbies. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and respect that you would treat others.
If you’re finding that you’re setting aside time for self-care regularly and not feeling guilty about it, it’s a clear sign that you’re becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be. After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
9) Feeling comfortable with discomfort
It might seem paradoxical, but feeling comfortable with discomfort is another strong sign that you’re growing into the person you’ve always wanted to be.
Personal growth requires stepping into unfamiliar territories and facing difficult situations. These experiences can often make us feel uncomfortable, but it’s through these experiences that we learn the most about ourselves and life.
If you’re finding comfort in these moments of discomfort, it means that you’re not just tolerating them, but also appreciating them for the growth opportunities they provide.
This counterintuitive comfort in discomfort suggests a high level of self-awareness and emotional maturity – both crucial traits of those who are becoming the best versions of themselves.
Embracing discomfort means you’re not only accepting life’s challenges, but you’re also trusting in your ability to navigate them, and that’s a clear sign of personal evolution.
10) Seeking authenticity over approval
In a world where we’re often pressured to conform and seek approval, choosing authenticity can be a daunting task. At the end of the day, becoming the person you want to be is all about staying true to yourself, even when it’s not popular.
If you’ve noticed a shift in yourself where you’re prioritizing your own truth over the validation of others, this is a powerful sign that you’re becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.
Living authentically means not being afraid to show the world who you truly are, and not feeling the need to hide or change for others. It’s about living in alignment with your values, passions, and beliefs, even when it’s challenging.
Living authentically means standing firm in your values and principles. You are not constantly trying to fit into someone else’s mold, understanding that your worth is not determined by external validation but by your own self-acceptance.
Living a life that feels true to who you are is not an easy path, but it’s one that leads to personal growth and self-discovery. If you’re on this path, take heart – you’re well on your way to becoming your ideal self.
Final thoughts: It’s all about growth
The essence of becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be lies in continuous personal growth.
This process is not always linear. There will be days of leaps and bounds, and there will be days of setbacks. But every step, every stumble, is a part of the journey.
According to Carl Jung, a prominent Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
So, whether you tick off all the signs on this list or just a few, remember that your journey is uniquely yours.
Becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be isn’t a destination, it’s a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth. It’s about embracing who you are now, while striving for who you want to be.
So keep growing, keep evolving, and most importantly, keep being you.